Artwork copyright Janet Essley. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Janet Essley. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

The Glass Egg, 1997

Janet Essley
(American, born 1949)

Location: Jefferson Middle School, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The Glass Egg is a richly detailed painting by artist Janet Essley. The composition is filled with different animal figures and a reflective egg in the center. She notes, "On one level the painting is a metaphor for genetic engineering. On another it is a metaphor for our multi-cultural society, or simply the many layered human psyche." Essley acknowledges that the viewer will also create their own interpretation. She welcomes this multiplicity, and notes, “I encourage teachers to help students identify the major characters in the painting. From this base students could write their own story explaining why they are together, what has just happened and what is going to happen next."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Janet Essley creates paintings and public murals. Her imagery is influenced by her work in forestry and biological research, as well as the diverse cultures she encounters while traveling.

Essley earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Fine Arts degreerts in painting and drawing from California State University, Chico.