Joanne Warfield Biography

Joanne Warfield began her photographic studies with Brett Weston in Monterey, California, in the late 1960’s. A subsequent meeting with Ansel Adams, upon a visit to his studio, further deepened her appreciation of the Art and fostered a life-long fascination with the myriad expressions possible with photography. Her view of photography as Art comes through her 30 years of experience as a gallery owner and private art dealer. This has given her a broad perspective of the art world. Consequently, her work has been influenced by great painters and printmakers and the fine artists she was associated with, as well as the work of renowned photographers such as Man Ray, Jerry Uelsmann, Joyce Tenneson, and Sean Kernan.

“I approach my art with a great sense of freedom from preconceived constraints—or what is considered traditional or expected in photography and other art forms. I stand aside and let the muse emerge. The discovery of what might happen is always exciting. The whole realm that is called ‘alternative photography’ combined with any art medium becomes a possible vehicle for my explorations.

“I have been doing photography all these years, both in my travels and in the everyday world around me, but it wasn’t until I discovered the Polaroid alternative techniques that I said ‘This is it.’ Not only has this approach allowed me to create new work from earlier slides, but it has given me a new way of thinking as I am currently shooting. I am truly elated by doing this work and can’t wait to launch into more discoveries in this exciting world of imagery. In addition to Polaroid Transfers, I have been scanning Polaroid wet paper negatives and printing them with archival inks on Arches 140-lb. water color paper.

“There is something I call ‘Visual Healing,’ which I believe acts as an antidote for the visual violence infecting our society today. My philosophy is that we can all make a difference by embracing the deeper aspects of life and produce works that will uplift people, and thereby effect change for a better world. The photographic medium is how I express that philosophy, by creating images that I hope will inspire, intrigue, and contain the potential for Visual Healing. Several series I have been working on include some of the following to express that goal: Chakra colors, Angels, Greek and Roman Mythology, and aspects of the Five Element theory used in Chinese medicine and Taoist doctrines. The Persephone’s Dream series is one I have worked on extensively for the past 3-4 years. The same female figure (Goddess of the Underworld) is floating through various elusive environments which invokes a feeling of primordial memories and dreams.

“After 30-plus years in the art business as gallery owner, dealer, and entrepreneur, and after nurturing artists, showing, promoting and selling their work, I have finally discovered my own individual voice, as the artist. I am inspired by, and look to, the Mama of Dada, Beatrice Wood, as a model: she started her ceramic career at 55 and had another fantastic 50 years of working. She passed away at age 104. I plan on following her schedule. There is no holding back the expression of the human spirit.”