JoSlo (Jonas) was introduced to Lady Moon through a younger mutual friend. JoSlo is a phenomenal and productive artist on canvas, bone and re-purposed metal salvage. He works in several mediums, but his work is consistent in its expression of joy, chaos, frustration, anger, melancholy and enchantment captured in the various forms of his art. He has thousands of pieces, so we’re starting with just a few here. Reach out to arrange a viewing of The Prairie Art Project collection.
Artist’s Statement:
Healing Journey
For my 56th birthday in 2012, I bought myself acrylic paints, paint brushes and canvases and began a healing journey with color. The journey turned into a transformation. I soon started experimenting with gouache and watercolor paints. I rarely paint what I see; I paint more what I am feeling, letting the colors express mysteries of internal, external and otherworldly landscapes. I have also collected sun-bleached bones from the prairie to clean up and paint. Those bones are wonderful canvases.
Reclaimed from the Prairie
When I hike in the mountains and on the prairies surrounding Laramie, where I live, I find metal objects of all kinds along with some glass at old camping and ranch sites. I have dated some of the objects to the late nineteenth century. The dry climate here in the west means that instead of completely rusting and going back to the earth, the metal, especially if it is facing the sky, develops a patina. Sun, minimal moisture, and powerful Wyoming wind create this surface. I clean the objects up minimally and paint on them, creating designs, characters, and stories.
Create your Own Story
To date, I have had seven art shows in Laramie. Now my art is available to you through Lady Moon. I rarely name my paintings. I began numbering them chronologically but after 1,000 pieces I lost track. Now I simply date and sign or initial them on the back. Since my art is primarily abstract, this leaves you, the viewers, free to create your own names and stories.
Enjoy.