People

Joanne Turney: An Artist of Many Talents
Interview by Alexandra Shaw


Joanne Turney wearing one of her custom designed hats in front of her painting "The Healing Light."

Joanne is an artist who has worked in a variety of media and forms of expression for more than four decades. It is always amazing to see how her creativity continues to blossom. In this recent interview in the Manhattan Arts office with Alexandra Shaw Joanne discussed her art, inspiration and philosophy.

A.S. Joanne, you are so multi talented and you are always full of light, vitality and enthusiasm. How do you view your artistic talent? How do you approach the creative process?

J.T. I believe that art doesn't come from me but through me. I'm the instrument by which God can be expressed. When I enter my studio I leave all life's situations outside the door and walk in with a clear mind. I release all negative thoughts, any issues that are bothering me, and become purified. I allow God to speak through me. I never make a plan, whether I'm painting on canvas or designing and knitting a purse.

A.S. How did you discover your passion for visual art?

J.T. My first love was piano and I taught classical piano for 25 years. It is still one of my passions. My husband initially was the strongest influence with my art. He insisted we go to galleries and museums, which we did when we traveled together all over the world. With homes in Manhattan and Washington, DC we have close proximity to the best museums and visit them frequently. After I felt I went as far as I could with piano my question was, "What's next?" The answer was: "Paint."

A.S. Your paintings are fresh and innovative. Did you have any influential teachers or mentors?

A detail of one of Joanne's paintings >

J.T. At the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, DC Gene Davis was a teacher of mine. I remember asking him, "What should I do with the figure?" and his response had a profound influence on my future as an artist. He said,"I don't know. You figure it out." Well, that set me free! He also told me to paint like a child, free of inhibitions and to shut out any preconceived ideas.

A.S. Can you recall a pivotal time in your artistic career that affirmed your decision to follow this path?

J.T. When I moved to New York I attended the Art Student's League. The Director chose my work to appear in the window of the League. That was a form of validation for me.

A.S. I know that your career went on from there to having many one-person and group exhibitions throughout the world and your work is in the possession of many public and private collectors. You have created art in different styles, from Monet-like paintings in an Impressionistic style to more recent abstract paintings, where you have remained most loyal. You created a very important and powerful series of Healing paintings during a transitional point in your life. Do you want to talk about that?

J.T. When the surgeon told me 'It's Cancer' I was in a state of shock; my first question was, "Why me?" Then a few days later I asked God, "What should I do?" The answer was, "Paint it out." The result was thirteen paintings depicting the emotional stages of my experience that ultimately led to my recovery. My faith and desire to see myself as cured and not a victim propelled me to take action.

A.S. Joanne, recently you've been doing remarkable things with knitting. Your purses are really a form of wearable art. They have the same expressive color and joie de vivre that emanate from your paintings. How did this all come about? Is knitting a new creative expression for you?

J.T. No, My grandmother and mother used to knit and I have been knitting since I was 20 years old. I once designed and hand knitted sweaters and dresses and my line was sold in boutiques in Palm Beach and California.

A.S. Your purses and muffs are unique, very tactile and make very strong statements about the person who uses them. How do your ideas come about?

J.T. I collect different types of yarns and jewelry from all sorts of places. When I start knitting I select a color and I let the process evolve. There is no preplanning. I don't force it.

A.S. I know you have some strong feelings about art and its purpose in our society. Would you like to share it?

J.T. I feel that Art could save the world and it deserves much more attention than it receives in our country. Art transcends cultures and language barriers. Art reaches everyone on a soul level. The schools should emphasize the Arts more than they do. Everyone has talent in their own special way and it should be encouraged. Every child should be guided to develop their unique talents. I recall a teacher in grade school who rejected my art work because it was different. The fact that I can still remember her discouraging words is significant. On the contrary, teachers who encourage young children in the arts can have a great impact on them. Artistic expression helps children to develop self-acceptance as well as tolerance and understanding of others. They can improve in all areas of their lives.

A.S. What advice would you like to share with other creative individuals reading this interview?

J.T. Be persistent. Never be discouraged by rejection because it's a part of life. Believe in what you are expressing. When you enter your studio leave all negativity and preconceptions outside the door. Follow your passion.

View more of Joanne Turney's work in the online gallery.

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