Sacred Impressions – Casas Grande Ruins,NM
Jo-an Smith
Created :
Donated : 2003
Medium : Painting/Oil
Dimensions: 30 inx24 in
Located: 2nd Floor,Senate Gallery West Entrance
Sacred Impressions was inspired by the artist’s frequent visits to the prolific ruins in Casas Grandes, Mexico in the 1990s. The distinctive keyhole-shaped doorway is an identifiable feature for these mystical casas. Not only fascinated with their shapes, Smith is also intrigued with the evocation of mystery and sacredness of ancient civilizations the casas manifest. Cliff dwellings and landscapes figure prominently in her paintings.
Smith was born in the Pacific Northwest and traveled and lived throughout the United States, Alaska, and Central and South America. In 1972 she moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she received her Masters in Art and Metalwork from New Mexico State University. Smith is an accomplished painter as well as a jeweler. Her works in both mediums are collected nationally and internationally.
