Artists and Poets Respond to the Pandemic (22)

Self-taught artist Jeanie Tomanek contributed images of three of her paintings to the online exhibition "Artists and Poets Respond to the Pandemic." All of Jeanie's artworks seem especially appropriate to the exhibit, because they address many of the exhibit's themes and words we associate with the coronavirus and the disease it causes, covid-19: "Grief," "Faith," "Healing," "Isolation," "Loss," "Love," "Quarantine," "Remembrance," "Safety," "Sheltering," and "Solace." It's a privilege to showcase here the images of Jeanie's paintings.

Jeanie Tomanek, "Our Ground Time Here Will Be Brief"

Acrylic on Panel

16" x 12"

Jeanie Tomanek, "Prayer Tree"

Acrylic on 11" x 14" Bristol Paper

10" x 13"

Jeanie Tomanek, "Safety"

Acrylic on 1.5" Deep Cradled Birch Panel

8" x 10"

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Jeanie Tomanek has been called a mythic artist. She draws upon themes she first developed as a poet: exploring feminine archetypes from myths, folk tales, fairy tales, and her own experiences. Her experience growing up on a farm in New York's Genesee Valley strongly influence her work, which is populated with trees, flowers, birds, and snow—symbols for emotional states or story elements. Dogs sometimes accompany Jeanie's protagonist, a pale, bald "Everywoman," as she journeys beneath a starry, moonlit sky. The ancient stories the artist tells with her paints never become old.

Poems and paintings by Jeanie grace the covers of many literary journals and poetry collections, and her work is represented in private and public collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Jeanie lives in Marietta, Georgia, with her husband and  two rescued dogs.

St. Michael's Episcopal Church (Arlington, Va.), which supports the parish arts ministry I lead, is hosting the multi-part online exhibition. On the church's new Instagram page, you'll find images of the exhibited artwork, which are augmented daily. Websites and other information about all the artists can be found at "Artists' Biographical Information." Some artworks, including one of the three above ("Safety" and "Prayer Tree" have been sold"), are available to purchase; for information, see "Purchase List for Artworks." In addition to the poetry and "Poets' Biographical Information," the exhibit includes a generous playlist, compiled by artist Stacy Ericson, to listen to while viewing the artwork or reading the poems. The playlist is embedded on "Artwork in Response to the Pandemic" and "Poetry in Response to the Pandemic." 

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Note: Jeanie Tomanek and her work were the subjects of my October 18, 2018, Artist Watch column at the online arts magazine Escape Into Life.

Today's feature concludes the showcasing of work by all the wonderful artists and poets who contributed their work to "Artists and Poets Respond to the Pandemic." To all of them I extend once again my thanks and deep appreciation.