SPORTLIGHT ON: JoAnn Frekot
Artist JoAnn Frekot joined OT Artists Cooperative in 2023. I sat down the other day with JoAnn to better understand her development as an artist.
As a child JoAnn would draw on computer paper that her father brought home from work. Drawing felt natural to her, and at age 11 she entered an art contest with a portrait of her mother - and won! The prize was a series of art lessons where she learned to paint with pastels.
All through high school and college she took art classes - but majoring in art would not be indulged by her father! So onward as a math major she graduated and started a career, married and raised a family. Then in 2011 she lost her job. Suddenly with free time she began to explore opportunities for creativity - you can only look for a new job so many hours a day! Included in this time she took Julia Cameron's 13 week course, The Artist's Way. This was the spark JoAnn needed to reengage with artistic practices.
JoAnn retired in 2022 and took a class at the Landscape Arboretum titled Nature Sketchbook. This experience reinforced the importance of honoring the process - rather than focus on the outcome. The time she devotes to her art practice has accelerated since retiring. She continues to take advantage of short form art classes offered locally.
JoAnn's work takes inspiration from being out in nature. She belongs to a hiking club here in the Twin Cities which takes her to many parks and hiking trails in the area. Her travel also brings inspiration as she is out exploring the surroundings. An early riser, JoAnn can take in sights like this early morning view:
9" x 12" Watercolor
As for joining an art cooperative, JoAnn couldn't be happier. She appreciates that each artist in our group of 13 encourages and supports one another.
See more of JoAnn's work on her website.
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