My art, for many years, has been figurative art of humans and animals. I am best known for my mixed species works. These are a result of my love of the mixed species mythologies of Egypt, Greece, and Asia. I hope they also speak to the hubris of human superiority over other species. The clay maquettes are based on poses of live models, then cut apart, hollowed out and reassembled. The work is then fired to harden the clay and often fired several more times to obtain the color and texture of the desired finish.
I have B.A. from Pitzer College, and a M.A. in printmaking from Wayne State, Detroit. I did some teaching at Jr. Colleges, owned a used bookstore, and raised a child.
For the last five years I have lived in Santa Rosa with my father who suffers from macular degeneration. I have been able to work on art almost full time. Oh Joy! I have shown at many galleries in the county, and always have work at Hand Goods in Occidential.
My studio will be on the Open Studio tour this fall and in September sculpture.
Jonnie Russell
707 545 1940
jonniedianerussell@sbcglobal.net