Artwork copyright Joan Stuart Ross. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Head, Cell & Soul II, 1991

Joan Stuart Ross
(American, born 1942)

Location: Edmonds College, Lynnwood

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Head, Cell & Soul II is an example of artist Joan Stuart Ross' unique monotype prints. Each one is made of up to fifty colorful, printed layers. These works explore symbols of life and energy. She describes the organic forms in this piece as "symbols of creativity, originality, health and inner spirit, a celebration of life. Intense color, texture and light create a visual narrative about growth and regeneration."

Monotypes are unique prints made by painting with inks directly onto the printing plate. Only one print can be made from the plate. The image is transferred onto paper using a printing press. Ross uses many layers of monotypes: "Color radiance, transparency, and metamorphoses occur as eadh layer of ink compresses into the fibers of the paper and into each other with the pressure of the printing press."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Edmonds Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Joan Stuart Ross creates two-dimensional artworks that combine encaustic (made using melted wax), painting, printmaking, and collage techniques. Experimenting with process and repetition, Ross creates layered visual narratives that explore natural forms and personal symbols.

Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College, and Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Iowa.