Artwork copyright Jo Fyfe. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Purple Ponies, 1999

Jo Fyfe
(American, born 1941)

Location: Soap Lake Elementary, Soap Lake

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Purple Ponies is part of a body of paintings by artist Jo Fyfe that feature a central image of a circle. The circle represents unity, the many directions that life can take, and the connection between past, present and future. She notes that when she painted this piece she was thinking “about sunset in the late fall, just before the sun goes over the horizon. There is a purple glow in the sky, and there is an intensity in the yellows and oranges that is different than any other time of the day or year. This special time of day with its light had a strong influence on the choice of colors that were used in this painting. It is hoped to bring a feeling of piece, tranquility and a sense of wonder to the viewer,”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Soap Lake School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Jo Fyfe explores color, texture, and narrative using a variety of materials and found objects.

Born in Omak, Northeastern Washington, Jo Fyfe's artworks are influenced by the heritage of Native American cultures of the interior Pacific Northwest. She earned her Master in Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington, and taught art for many years at Spokane Falls Community College.