This week’s featured artist: Janna Zuber, member since 2013:
ME: I am a life-long resident of Maryland and still wondering how I persuaded my California surfer boy/husband to settle here. The arts have always been an important part of my life. In 1974 I received my B.S. degree from the University of Maryland College of Housing and Applied Design. I immersed myself in ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber arts and the occasional art course. FUN! After graduation I taught multi grades in a private school until my own five children came.
Twenty-some years ago I began to paint again; taking various local classes in traditional watercolors and oils. It has only been the last eight years that I have been able to follow my passion in earnest. Of the many teachers I have studied with, Skip Lawrence and Tara Funk Grim (who introduced me to collage and fluid acrylics) have been the most influential. My studio has swallowed our whole basement, which looks out into woods and a small pond.
MY ART: Currently I paint with all types of water media and collage. There are times when I plan a painting with a specific idea or intention, but more often I start with chaos, and build up multiple layers with paint, line work and collage, letting each layer guide me to the next until it says, “I am done”. Guess you could call me an abstract expressionist. Being an avid gardener, flowers often end up emerging, or paintings are inspired by trips out west, abroad and life.
My artwork is in private and business collections in multiple states. This past June, I had a large solo show at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. Right now, through September, artist and friend Martha Walker and I are showing at Paul’s Homewood Café. If you missed our reception last Thursday, plan a lunch or dinner and enjoy our exhibit! My website is www.jannazuber.com.
MFA & ME: I am thrilled to finally be involved with the MFA. What an energized art organization that reaches well beyond it’s Maryland roots! Everyone I meet or work with is top-notch, friendly, fun and helpful! All are striving to keep MFA and Circle Gallery number one and then some. I look forward to many more years of being a part of this dynamic group.
Spread the word about…YOU: Every week, we feature an MFA member for “Me & My Art Monday.” If you would like to be featured, please submit a photo and three paragraphs: one each about YOU, YOUR ART, and MFA & YOU totaling approximately 350 words, to meandmyart@mdfedart.org.
