MY NAME IS JOANNA
I dedicate myself to copying the Old Masters. For me, it’s the only way to open up a genuine dialogue with the history of painting. Every canvas is a fascinating investigation where I strive to uncover the secrets of their technique and light, layer by layer, to honor and perpetuate their expertise.
Behind the brush
For as long as I can remember, I have always been very hands-on. From drawing and model-making to sculpting and sewing, I developed my creativity and my sensitivity to materials. And even though my professional path was completely different, the moments where I would lose myself completely were when I was alone, a paintbrush in hand.
Timeless Beauty & Technique
I have always been particularly fascinated by copying the paintings of old masters. They held the keys to timeless beauty, as well as a perfect command of techniques and materials that guaranteed exceptional longevity. There are few books that pass on this knowledge, and practice, in itself, is worth a thousand books. I was incredibly lucky to have met an excellent teacher, herself professional copyist, who, over the years, passed on to me not only her expertise, but also the process and thought required for the reproduction of each painting – a long and meticulous process. Copying a work of art is not just about resemblance. It is, first and foremost, a question of understanding the techniques and materials used by the painter. This stage of the work is just as essential as the act of painting itself. This is how the copy manages to evoke the same emotions as the original work.
A Passion Requiring Humility
It is a passion that requires a great deal of humility and patience. I love immersing myself in the study of a painting: the choice of support, understanding the different layers of paint, the interplay of transparency and opacity, and the interactions between colors.If, through my painting, I can awaken an emotion, a memory, or simply a sense of wonder at the work of the Painter, then I will consider my work to be a success.