Artists "Review" Artists: John Lucien Grillo on Joanna Knox

The Artists "Review" Artists Project was launched on June 30, 2008.  Below is a "review" of Joanna Knox's work, Glass Doors, Alma, Georgia, written by John Lucien Grillo.  Joanna provided the second jpeg, an image of Trophy, Claxton, Georgia, as well as a brief response to John's "review."

Joanna currently resides in Burtonsville, MD, and John lives in Washington, D.C.

If you would like to participate in this project, please email me at jtkirkland [at] gmail [dot] com.

 
Glass Doors, Alma Georgia
color photograph
16" x 20"
2005

The "Review"

Looking at this photograph, I feel as if I have discovered a gateway between our reality and an unknown universe. I want to reach out and open the doors to see what lies beyond them! The serenity of the scene and the minute details that come alive as the eye wanders the frame add to the other-worldliness of the photograph. I see the scissors, the calendar, the photo of Dr. King, the dress on the other side of the door, the crooked picture hung from the top of the door frame - all of these elements blend together like the ingredients of some kind of spell. A spell of silence perhaps, because I can't help but gaze in quiet admiration of this place, where shadows creep along the edges of the walls and glazed glass obstruct the view of the world that lies beyond those doors.

I realize that this critique overlooks the 'technical' aspects of the photograph, but I am of the opinion that good art should evoke feelings when looked upon, rather than stoic appreciation of technical prowess. Subjective opinion is the cornerstone of the artistic world, and the artist who took this, in my opinion, was able to capture the atmosphere of the moment, regardless of the tools at her/his disposal. It is a representation of the stillness and quiet which are so often overlooked in our busy lives. One would have to travel to the South to experience such a place, but this artist brought it home, feeling and all.

By John Lucien Grillo

 
Trophy, Claxton GA
color photograph
16" x 20"
2005

The Response

Thank you for your comments John!  I enjoy how you described my photograph as a discovered “gateway between our reality and an unknown universe.”  I strive to create a sense of mystery within my photographs. Often I will rearrange things in the rooms, interacting with the space and leaving my mark.  In this case I closed the glass doors to leave parts of the house obscured. I like being one of the only people to know what is beyond those doors and to be one of the only ones to have experienced the true stillness of that room.  I like to share these places and also keep a piece for myself.

By Joanna Knox

Previous "Reviews":
Pam Farrell on Ken Weathersby
Paula McCullough on Aric Calfee
Lee Gainer on Leigh Waldron-Taylor
Aric Calfee on Paula McCullough
Matthew Ballou on Heather Levy
Giovanni Garcia-Fenech on TJ Norris
TJ Norris on Giovanni Garcia-Fenech
Susan Tolbert on Mary Klein
Heather Levy on Gail Vollrath
Sharon Butler on Matthew Ballou
Mark L. Power on Steven Alexander
Steven Alexander on Mark L. Power
Molly Norris on M. Trigos
Ken Weathersby on Joseph Barbaccia
Sondra Arkin on Susan Tolbert
John M. Adams on Sharon Butler
Michael Paul Oman-Reagan on Brent Hallard
Daniel Mafe on Pam Farrell
Joanna Knox on John M. Adams

Comments

[Sus]

This is a great review. I absolutely agree with Mr. Grillo on expressing your reactions as part of the review process. Ms. Knox's work is wonderfully evocative.

[Tristan Hutchinson]

Gorgeous images, lovely blog also.

Tris.