Small Measures: Paintings by Contemporary Artist Joan Gantz

The Livingston Public Library opens the New Year with an exhibit of vibrantly hued abstract works by contemporary artist Joan Gantz.

Joan is a native New Jersey artist who works primarily in acrylics with the addition of graphite, marker and collage. She divides her time between Essex County and Ocean County and receives great inspiration from both the New York metro area and the Jersey shore. 

Her undergraduate focus was nursing and she practiced in critical care for fifteen years. Joan’s interest in creating art and fascination with color have been intrinsic to her since childhood. She has embraced and continues to develop an abstract style which is frequently inspired by forms in nature. 

Her process consists of marker and paint, and synthesizing by addition and subtraction. It is her distinctly personal interpretation that gives the feeling of straddling reality with abstraction, particularly in her landscapes. The goal of her work is to achieve a shared experience which speaks to the viewer. The power and emotion of color and movement in her abstracts are her favorite vehicles. Inspiration for her work is derived from her travels, emotional interpretations and responses to life circumstances.

This exhibit is a collection of small works which have been completed over the past two years. It consists predominantly of abstract images which have been inspired by personal circumstances or emotions. Included are some cityscapes which range from fairly representational to abstraction.

For more information on the works displayed, a QR code affixed to the bottom right hand corner of the display case can be scanned.  You can also visit her website at www.joangantz.com and follow her on Instagram @joangantzstudio.

The exhibit can be viewed during Library hours for the month of January.  

On Display– Vivid Delights: Acrylic Paintings on Canvas by Kinjal Gandhi

This December, the Livingston Public Library is showcasing the vibrant acrylic paintings of local resident Kinjal Gandhi.

Kinjal relocated from India to the United States 25 years back for furthering her college education so as to complement her inherent drawing skills and 5-year commercial art degree from an Indian institution. She completed computer animation and digital media technology studies at US universities in Texas and Ohio.

Kinjal took a brief break from employment to raise two kids and enjoy parenthood. She started teaching art to young kids and also indulged in her passion for art by painting, mostly in acrylics.  

She likes to use acrylic colors because “they are quick drying, work easily with different techniques and textures, and are likely to stay the same hue for a long time.” On display in the Library are some of the bright acrylics she has done over the years,  in a variety of styles, and on a wide variety of subjects including two works inspired by her recent visit to Santorini, Greece.

Kinjal is attracted to bright colors and feels that color allows her to best express her ideas and thoughts on canvas.

Using acrylics, Kinjal has also successfully tried her hand in forms like Fluid Art, Madhubani Folk, and Abstract imagery, and vivid selections from these are on display in the current exhibit. 

Archana, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian