JANICE JOY LITTLE
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Oil & Cold Wax, Tissue Paper on wood
Communion
Acrylic Paint, Resin,
Ginko Leaves, Tissue Paper
This Piece was commissioned by a dear friend as a way to commemorate her time in Durham as a student at Duke University. Painted and collaged in between layers of resin, the communion table is set in natural surroundings. If you look closely, you'll notice Gingko leaves which form the chalice and are collaged throughout the composition. Layers of tissue paper create a motif of the Gothic architecture of the Duke Chapel, a place that was particularly special for her while she was in Durham.
Stella
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
12"x12"
My first ever animal portrait, "Stella" was commissioned as a surprise bridal shower gift from the mother in law of a bride who booked a painting of her wedding bouquet!
The Groom's response upon receiving an image of the finished painting:
"I believe you painted a portrait of my fiancée's dog, Stella, on the request of my Mom? I saw a photo of the pic today and you unequivocally captured the spirit of the animal, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you."
Martin's Modest Office
Oil and Cold Wax on wood
42"x30"
Commissioned by Self Help Credit Union
"Martin's Modest Office" hangs in the Lobby and displays an old VW Beetle: Self Help's first "office." As the story goes, Martin Eakes recognized that low-income Americans were often unfairly denied opportunities to build wealth. So, he began with what he had: Self Help's original headquarters consisted of a typewriter and file boxes in the back of his old VW beetle. In the background, there are power lines which continue off into the horizon. Electrical power travels from a power plant to homes and businesses through a system called a power distribution grid. When one line goes down, it affects everything else. Like power lines, Self Help values the interconnectedness of everyone, especially those who are often excluded. It supports the belief that a society becomes a strong vibrant community when all of its members are empowered.
A Vibrant Community
Oil and Cold Wax on wood
two 67"x24" panels
Commissioned by Self Help Credit Union
This piece hangs hangs in Matthew's office, the branch manager of the dowtown Durham Self Help Credit union building. He asked for work to represent the way Self Help values the diversity of their clients. On the left panel, I painted a composition of diverse figures and faces. On the right panel, a hand is depicted to represent Self Help's open-handedness to all people. Fingers transform into abstract figures and continue upwards. Towards the bottom of the composition, I painted abstracted geometric shapes to represent the city it serves.