1xRUN Thru Interview
Ophelia by Sarah Joncas
1xRun: Tell us a bit about this piece, was it part of a recent series of work or theme?
Sarah Joncas: ‘Ophelia’ was for a joint show I had alongside Caia Koopman at the Thinkspace Gallery in 2012. Though there was no particular tying theme I had in the work for that show, I did quite a few with the prescience of water. Obviously being titled ‘Ophelia’ there’s an intention of linking her to the Shakespeare character, as well. However, more so than the literal narrative, I think of the sorrow of her character with my painting. I wanted the figure and dark water to represent a kind of despair and emptiness. I also considered my other work ‘reemergence’ as a sequel of sorts to ‘Ophelia’, as if she’s lifted herself from the dark waters to a place of serenity and strength.
1xRUN: When was this piece created and with materials?
Sarah Joncas: This piece was created from April – June 2012. I worked her the same as I typically do in my art, a light acrylic base to touch my colours down, then many layers in oil to bring it to life.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Sarah Joncas: Not sure I remember now, to be honest. The title and linking her to Ophelia was something I decided upon after creating the work, however. At the time I was on a bit of water mood. Water represents the unconscious and psychological to me, and most of my work comes from an internal place.
1xRun: How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Sarah Joncas: Around 2 or 3 months. Most of my work takes that or longer to make simply because of drying time for oils. I’ll work on a cycle of about 8 paintings at a time so I have something between layers on the go.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Sarah Joncas: As I said on the last print, I’m not one to tell people what they should buy, but if you like the image, it’s a good quality print at a great price.
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Sarah Joncas: Melancholy.
1xRun: You have a two person show coming up, have you two worked together before?
Sarah Joncas: Yes, fellow artist and my best friend, Ann Kornuta. We have a show coming up at the Dorland-Haight Gallery on the 27th. I’ve been showing with them since I was 16 actually. They’ve been a family of sorts to me growing up, so it’s always a pleasure to be able to return and have everyone come out locally. I’ve shown with Ann many times now. We’ll both have around 10 new pieces for show and sale there.
1xRun: How has it been creating the work for that show so far?
Sarah Joncas: Joint shows are nice, I kind of just paint what pops into my head rather than worrying too much about theme or tying everything together. Solo shows are a bit more stressful that way. The work has gone well though. The work is on the small, more affordable side, though there’s a few larger pieces.
1xRun: Are you two working on any pieces together?
Sarah Joncas: No, but I do have a collab going on with artist Audrey Pongracz right now. We’ll have a diptych at the show ‘You, I and the Worlds Between Us”, opening at Distinction on September14th.
1xRun: What else have you been up to since your last release?
Sarah Joncas: Lots of commissions on the go right now, but I’m also starting to plan my solo next spring at the Subtext Gallery in San Diego. Unlike my joint show, this one will be more themed and thought through in it’s entirety.
1xRun: Aside from the 2 person show, what else do you have in the works the next 2-3 months?
Sarah Joncas: Next 2-3 months. Well, the show with Distinction as I mentioned, but I’ll also be at the Last Rites next month for their annual ’13th hour’ show. Come December, I’ll be in an x-mas show at Thinkspace and also have a smaller 12×12″ painting for their booth at Art Basel.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Sarah Joncas: Website – Blog – Facebook – Etsy – Tumblr – Instagram + Twitter @sarah_joncas
-1xRUN