Jo Grishman Biography

  I have seen myself as an artist since childhood, always drawing and creating imaginary worlds, growing up in New York City.  I was involved in various group exhibits throughout the Maryland area, where I raised my family, before journeying across the country and relocating to Portland, Oregon where my creative spirit truly blossoms.  I am constantly searching for a new language to express myself, and the various materials I choose to use, reflects that personal exploration. Journeying through the layers of memory is very important to me. Process is an integral part of my artwork. By physically touching the surface and manipulating the medium, I am creating a dialogue, thus allowing an image to evolve and take on a life of its own. That process is then continued, as I try to draw the viewer into that dialogue. Ironically, I reach a deeper personal understanding by losing myself in the process. I hope to touch each viewer on a personal level as well.