“Art does not aspire to entertain. It aspires to converse.” Barry Lopez, Horizon.
I relate very strongly to Barry Lopez’s sentiments expressed in this quote. My art is my means of communication about the state of this world. Often, I react to events in the world that make my blood boil. Most likely, it is in defense of wildlife that cannot speak for themselves.
Janice Kasper, Ghosts, oil on board, 12 x 12 in., 2011.
Janice Kasper, Who’s To Judge, oil on canvas, 12 x 40 in., 2017.
Janice Kasper, Let It Grow, oil on canvas, 12 x 40 in., 2017.
Janice Kasper, In Our Hands, oil on board, 12 x 12 in., 2013.
When I hear about right whales being entangled in fishing gear and being struck by large ships, my response is to do a painting. I have worked on series dealing with climate change, people’s fear of wildlife, and human abuse of wildlife and wildlands. I can write letters to officials, but I feel my greatest strength is to make a visual statement. Hopefully, others will see this work and be inspired to act.
Janice Kasper, Right Whale, oil on canvas, 36 x 60 in., 2019.
Janice Kasper, Polar Ice, oil on canvas, 12 x 55 in., 2013.
Janice Kasper, Monarch, oil on board, 9 x 11 in., 2018.
Yes, there is a great deal of beauty in this life and a place for it in the visual arts. At times I can’t resist the urge to capture that beauty, but for the most part, I will leave that pursuit to others.
Janice Kasper, Love or Money, oil on board, 7 x 12 in., 2008.
Image at top: Janice Kasper, Anthropocene, oil on linen, 39 x 28 in., 2018.