Artwork by Janiece Murray • Exhibit runs from February 4 to March 18, 2023
ARTIST STATEMENT:
As the culmination of my master’s studies at the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, I studied Western European illuminated manuscripts and then undertook to create my own. In the Middle Ages books were rare, precious, and often limited to religious orders and the wealthy. In this day and age, books are widely available, and information is at our fingertips via technology and so I wanted to use illuminate to celebrate what has become common and ordinary. After studying historical manuscripts and learning some of the techniques that went into creating them, I felt inspired to illuminate texts from my new world, Christian faith, on the creation. For ease of display the paintings are not bound in a book, but I still wanted to create a manuscript with carpet pages, a title page, as well as a geometry piece, illuminated calligraphy, and an illustration for each of the seven “days” of the Christian creation. I wrote the text in textualis quadrata, a script traditionally used for copying out Bibles, with handmade iron gall ink which was traditionally used in illuminated manuscripts. I gilded my pieces with 23 carat gold, white gold, silver, and copper leaf. I used handmade watercolors to paint these pieces, some of the pigments were prepared by hand as well. Bringing together traditional techniques and materials for a more modern manuscript has been an incredible journey and would not have been possible without the help and teaching of many, especially Paul Antonio (calligraphy), Helen White (gilding), and Dr. David Cranswick (paint).
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:
I am a student of traditional techniques and arts including gilding, geometry, and painting with handmade watercolors. Many traditional arts are connected to spiritual and religious beliefs, I also strive to incorporate and reflect my beliefs in my work. My studies with Wulf Barsch at Brigham Young University led me to learn more about the craft of master artists and eventually to get a Masters in Traditional Art at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. I now work to find the best way to incorporate what I have learned into my own practice as an artist.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Exhibits | Arts & Creativity |
The Sprague Branch's high-gabled English Tudor style building has served the Sugar House community for three generations. The building was selected by the American Library Association in 1935 as the "Most Beautiful Branch Library in America." The two-level facility was opened in 1928 and has been renovated several times as use continues to increase. An expansion project to add a new public meeting room and remodel the building was completed in April 2001, which increased the square footage to 13,058. As the Sugar House shopping district sprouted up, the Sprague Branch continues to hold its historical charm and provide community members with outstanding public library services. Free parking is available to the east and south of the building, and free wi-fi access is provided throughout the library.
