We were lucky to catch up with Joslyn Doerge recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joslyn, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I’m always trying to pivot with the times. I’m always willing to listen to the advice that those in my field are willing to offer. This usually points me in the direction of my next project. Even though it can take me a while to get through a series, I’m always looking for whats next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello,
My name is Joslyn Doerge (artist handle Joz D.).I studied Scientific and Natural History Illustration at ‘The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’. While there I became fascinated by human anatomy specifically the juxtaposition of muscular anatomy and the iconic pin-up model.
By applying my abilities as a scientific illustrator, I have found: a new way of exploring the themes of beauty, the value our society places on outer beauty and its temporary nature. Often when we look at a person, we see only their surface qualities and neglect to question what underlies their skin-deep beauty. My aim is to take that investigation one step further. By removing the flesh to reveal the meat is the means through which I hope to give the model back her humanity. The removal of the flesh reminds us that we are all, under the surface, made of meat. Reminding the audience that we are all the same underneath, we cease to objectify the model and delve into her psyche.
The subject matter of my current series is of Marilyn Monroe’s final sitting before her untimely death. This series is one of wood burnings. I use many different kinds of wood. I also use crushed mineral and acrylic medium. I chose wood because it mimics the movement of muscle tissue. This series is about stripping down to the most natural state and what is more
natural than wood? I chose the crushed mineral which I apply in layers with the acrylic medium. I do this to get different effects as the light hits the piece throughout the day. In this sense the piece is ever changing as we are ever changing. I hope to use the changing of the piece as a subtle reflection of the passage of time.
I have had my work displayed in a number of galleries including the Gallery of Congress, The Art Institute of Chicago’s G2 Gallery, The Royal Melbourn Institute of Technology, Mission Comics, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod to name a few. I am currently preparing to show my work art Art Basel Miami in connection with the Jill Krutick Gallery and The Shim Artists Network.
I currently live in Aspen Colorado and am always open to accept commissions. Please feel free to email me with any questions or requests at jozd26@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Joslyn
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I had to put aside my ideals and learn to listen to the advice of those who’d been in the field longer than I to really learn how to hone my craft. It was a long and slow process. I would also say that art school doesn’t necessarily prepare you for a career as an artist. It’s also important to learn the business of being an artist if this is your chosen career. It’s a lesson I’m still learning.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mother was the biggest supported of my dream to become a working artist. She took the time to really help me develop my work conceptually and was my most enthusiastic cheerleader in this journey. My best friend from collage Natalya taught me the most about the business of being an artist.
My friends are often my biggest promoters and sales reps. Somehow they often manage to get the word out about my work before I can.
My husband Scott is my most supportive and trusted confidant.
Without all these amazing people, who knows where I’d be today.
Contact Info:
- Website: jozd.org
- Instagram: @jozd26
- Facebook: Joslyn Doerge
- Twitter: @jozd1
- Other: other Instagram: @jozdfineart
Image Credits
Artwork by Joslyn Doerge (Joz D.) From The “Meat Ms. Monroe” Series in order of appearance: “Pensive Marilyn” 4’x2′ pyrography on birch with crushed mineral “Reclining Marilyn” 4’x2′ pyrography on birch with crushed mineral “Sleeping Marilyn” 4’x2′ pyrography on birch with crushed mineral “Sipping Marilyn”4’x2′ pyrography on pine with crushed mineral From The “Going, Going, Gone” Series in order of appearance: “Going #1″ 20″x16” pyrography on pine with crushed mineral “Going #2″ 20″x16” pyrography on pine with crushed mineral “Gone” 20″x16″ pyrography on pine with crushed mineral
