Outsider Art

Artist Comments
Artist Jessica JH Roller spent time in South Florida Beach, where numerous species of crabs roam on the shore, lagoon, and bike trail. Jessica depicted them i...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller crafts a visual tale of a playful interaction between creatures of the night. "Long before the break of day, a bat enters a home, awa...

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Towering red mountains rise under a yellow sky, their peaks brushing against the passing clouds. A pathway winds through the landscape. Walking amongst Colora...

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Symbolic of water's vitality, artist Kira Yustak depicts a sight of hands cupping water from a clear river. She paints the introspective piece with an absorbi...

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Artist Jessica JH Roller paints a playful portrait of a king toad surrounded by white daylilies. "He lives in a quaint cottage alone, but he has a human frien...

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Vibrant purple irises with their deep green leaves capture the height of spring. Tucked between a sidewalk and a parking lot in artist Valerie Berkley’s neigh...

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"It's May in Florida, but you know how it is for those who live there full-time. They get used to the hot weather, and the slightest cool breeze sends them scrambling for a jacket," says artist Johansen Newman. She presents a colorful portrait of Ida, bundled up in layers of clothing and wearing a straw hat. She sits on a folding aluminum chair...

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Artist Johansen Newman paints a detailed portrait of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. She bases the piece's title on Frida's diary, where she often recorded thoughts about their life together. "I took the words literally by painting Diego only in shades of black and white while rendering Frida in full color," says Johansen. Frida's vibrant clothing and jewelry sharply contrast Diego's limited palette.The painting comes with a handmade, embellished wood assemblage frame painted black.

About the Artist
Artist Johansen Newman captures various characters through charming scenes that often weave nostalgia. A reflection of her fondness for edge and funk prevails in her dynamic portrayal of humans with animals and objects of their affection. As a toddler, her mother gave her crayons and allowed her to draw on the walls of her room. She pursued a degree in painting and printmaking, then furthered her education by studying with Bil Baird at his puppet theater in New York, ultimately forming her puppet troupe. Years of crafting puppets, designing scenery, writing stories, and performing shows developed her arsenal of skills—going on to be an award-winning fiber artist exhibiting throughout North America. She integrates these learnings into her current art practice. "My paintings capture fragments of a tale in a time and place that was, is, or has the promise to become," says Johansen. She works at her studio and display gallery at Gorse Mill Studios, a 19th Century textile mill building in Needham, MA. Her woodworking shop doubles as her home studio, where she constantly evolves her compositions to satisfy her aesthetic. Johansen's work has been featured on the cover of local publications, in pictorial essays, and toured museums across the United States. She was a professional and published illustrator for more than 35 years, including two dozen children's books, three of which she also wrote. Besides creating art, she finds herself an enthusiast of vintage collectibles, jukeboxes, signages, tin toys, neon lights, cookie jars, carnival chalkware...

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Part of Rachel's Rodeo Tarot series. A playful interpretation of The Moon card. The moon hovers above the landscape, embracing circling fish or yin and yang. ...

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A gull perches on a rock at the ocean's edge in the early morning, its call—resembling laughter—mingling with the crashing waves. Known for its intelligen...

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Using her signature folk art-style, artist Jessica JH Roller captures an endearing portrait of a wolf and two hedgehogs in a verdant abstract landscape. Jessi...

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Rosemary, a black-and-white cat, sits gracefully, basking in the sun. A bank of red zinnias with bold, fan-like petals surrounds her, creating a striking cont...

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Artist Johansen Newman displays an image of a tattooed woman sitting alone in a tavern surrounded by men. "There's a lot writte...

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Two magical birds find refuge in an evergreen forest, seeking shelter from the cold winter weather. Jewels and prominent markings adorn their bodies. This whimsical woodland scene exudes an air of wonder and enchantment reminiscent of holiday festivities.

About the Artist
Artist Jessica JH Roller paints whimsical and playful compositions of animals and people, marked by bold colors and primitivist linework. She distills a scene into a few simple shapes, using color to create contrast and vibrancy, often choosing palettes that reflect pop culture. "My adopted kittens, Tony and Larry, opened my eyes and unleashed the artist inside me," shares Jessica. "After, I started to notice birds, trees, color, everything." Jessica brings to life her dynamic creations...

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A pink chrysanthemum blooms in artist Pamela Hoke's lively floral piece. "An island friend gifted me with an enchanting autumnal bouquet from her farm," shares Pam. The playful waving magenta petals drew her attention and compelled her to paint the flower. Pam expresses the vibrant bloom in naturally flowing paint strokes.

About the Artist
Profound sensory experiences of nature unfold in artist Pamela Hoke's stylistically primitive representation of the world and her connection to it. Her vast array of subjects, including landscapes, florals, and animal portraits, emerge as intuitive expressions of energy in motion. She creates her own paint with natural earth and mineral pigments mixed with walnut oil—a beautiful and organic process used by the old masters. Pamela received her degree in fine arts at Ohio State University. Being fully immersed in the natural world ignited her creativity and increased her sense of belonging and overall well-being. She shares a semi-private studio with a group of painters on San Juan Island called the Friday Harbor...

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Zinnia seeds planted in late spring bloom into vibrant flowers in midsummer. They attract many pollinators, among them are goldfinches. The painting depicts t...