BIO
Joan Karissa is a printmaker living in San Francisco. She creates art inspired by the culture, environment, and landscape of the city. Her work illustrates the fragility of places, memories, and personal experiences. As a printmaker, she naturally discovers and explores layers of beauty in ordinary and seemingly insignificant moments.
She received her BA in Studio Art from San Francisco State University. Her prints have been included in various national exhibitions and were also part of shows and auctions benefiting San Francisco non-profit organizations.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is inspired by the culture, environment, and architecture of the city. I aim to encourage others to slow down, be aware, and reflect about our surroundings. In this day and age, our lives are so fast-paced that we tend to not notice the ordinary things we encounter everyday. I am especially interested in finding beauty in those ordinary things – the daily commute, the sky, the horizon.
Drawing upon my own photographs, I break down each image and print them by hand one color layer at a time. My printmaking process and technique allow me to better appreciate the minute details that exist in our world. I am able to illustrate the fragility of places, daily activities, and other seemingly insignificant moments.
When you get a chance in your busy life, stop and look around. You never know what you will find.
