Joanne Sisson

BLOOM

Joanne Sisson’s work creates a tension between the untamed elements of the natural world and the conventions of still life painting, blurring the line between the domestic and the wild.

Intermingling and entwining plants rise amidst fragile collections of glassware. This diverse glass collection ranges from fine crystal to utilitarian jars, that echo the lived-in elegance of belongings inherited, gifted and acquired over time.

Sisson’s compositions create an interplay between the water, glass and the plants within. These complex arrangements are counterbalanced by retaining simple monochromatic backgrounds, instilling a sense of calm, contemplative stillness.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My recent still-life paintings combine a love of the untamed and wild nature of flowers, grasses and tree foliage.

As I observe plants an interaction between our ecosystems becomes evident. The air we breathe, the gardens we inhabit, and the landscape that surrounds us deeply connect us to the natural world. This has engaged my fascination with the overwhelming beauty anddiversity plants.

The elegance of twinning vines and bending grasses speak of movement and unfurling new life. I wish to express, through my engagement with the natural world a playful sense of inquiry, exploration and joyfulness.

Joanne Sisson was born in 1956 and grew up in Beaumaris, Melbourne, Vic. She completed a Diploma of Fine Art from RMIT and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Federation University Ballarat. Jo taught Art at Loreto College, Ballarat and was head of the Art Faculty for some of that time. She has worked as a book illustrator, specializing in children’s books and botanical illustration. Jo has held sixteen solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group-shows across Australia. She has undertaken four artist residencies, all within natural environments, in Australia. Her artworks are held in various collections including The Art Gallery of Ballarat and RMIT. In addition, they are held in many private collections in Australia and abroad.