For the past year I have been making wood sculpture from scraps that my partner brought home from his art making to burn in our woodstove. There were many scraps that I saved from burning, as they were so interesting to me. Thus began my transition from 2-D art making to 3-D. I either use the scraps as they come or cut them into my own shapes. I then begin the puzzle like process of arranging and rearranging until eventually the pieces becomes a “family” of sorts. They come together in harmony or even discord but always are in dialogue. 

When I began making these ensembles I kept them their natural wood color but this past June I found myself transformed by the magic of my nephews circus graduation performance in Quebec City and thus began adding color to my sculptures. I use oil stick, inks, watercolor and pencils. I like to paint on and rub off to reveal the grain of the wood. It is gratifying to play with wood shapes and color.

 *Thanks to my comrade Anne Parker for suggesting we show together! Thanks to my partner Marc Lamm for his support and for his wood scraps from his beautiful art work! And heartfelt thanks to Nance Derby for believing in artists and providing her lovely space Artista Bottega.

Bio:

Josie Winship lives and works in Minneapolis

Education: 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Metropolitan State University. 

Recent Art Retreats and Education: 

Grand Marais Art Colony - Elizabeth Erickson’s “Art as a Journey” 

Tofte Art Center in Ely, MN 

Women’s Art Institute

Art Exhibitions: 

Quarter Gallery, Laser Art Space, Artista Bottega-solo, Banfill Locke

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I feel fortunate to be an artist. I am inspired by daily walks along the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, music and artists. Making art helps me try to make sense of this complicated world we live in; even if I don’t have answers. 

For the past two years I have focused on themes relating to connection and disconnection between people. I attempt to show both the closeness we can have and the horror and cruelty that also exist amongst humans. Why do we turn on one another? I am also interested in people’s relationship to the natural world. Why is it that people do not think that they are animals and therefore a part of nature? If we accepted this wouldn’t we be more thoughtful towards others, the earth and ourselves? These are issues that I grapple with in my art.

For this show I have worked predominately in oil sticks and also markers, colored pencils and water-based paints. I like the immediacy of oil sticks, the smooshing of colors together, the texture as the paper shows through and the intensity of the colors. 

Thanks to my partner Marc Lamm and all my friends and family who helped me make this exhibition happen. And I have nothing but gratitude for being able to show my work at Artista Bottega. 

Bio:

Josie Winship lives and works in Minneapolis.

Education: 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Metropolitan State University. 

Recent Art Retreats: 

Grand Marais Art Colony - Elizabeth Erickson’s “Art as a Journey” 

Tofte Art Center in Ely, MN 

Recent Art Exhibition: 

Banfill Locke, Fridley, MN: Winship’s individual paintings and collaborative collages by Winship, Krista Walsh and Mary Esch