Artwork copyright Janet Essley. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Triangles, 2002

Janet Essley
(American, born 1949)

Location: Darrington High/Middle School, Darrington

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Triangles is a richly detailed painting by artist Janet Essley. She created the composition by first drawing abstract shapes and a geometric structure. She notes that this technique "is followed by waiting, watching, hunting until the painting reveals a direction to proceed. Often this is a line or shape that suggests a figure or object." Essley interprets this painting as a metaphor for the way we cope with competing desires and distractions. She acknowledges that the viewer will also create their own interpretation. She welcomes this multiplicity, and notes, “Conversations created by art are one of its essential contributions to human culture."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Darrington 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.