Janie Gross: FurtherMoore

Opening Reception, March 7, 5pm - 7pm.

FurtherMoore (on view March 8 through April 26) exemplifies Gross’s journey as she builds upon her formal training and original work as a graphic designer which began at Moore nearly fifty years ago while she was a student. Now a multidisciplinary artist, she continues to explore new methods and materials that further develop her skills and allow her the freedom to experiment in a variety of media. Through this exhibition, Gross represents the potential to reach beyond the boundaries of any one discipline—she demonstrates the strength in and longevity of learned artistic skills that grew out of her visual arts education experience at Moore. The foundation is Moore and Gross takes it Further.

The exhibition features Gross's internationally acclaimed book, photographs, ceramics, and image-making related to her live Instagram portfolio of habitual artistic wanderings (@janie_gross). The artist hopes to inspire the next generation of students and bring to light the embedded connections between design and fine arts—the two are not always mutually exclusive—and to share her experiences in the joy of exploration. The works on view are the culmination of this multidisciplinary practice, one that supports the unique potential to positively influence others through visual
communication.

Artist Statement

"It is a distinct honor to exhibit my recent works in the alumni gallery at Moore. My over 50-year journey as a professional designer has included advertising/graphic design, creative/art direction, marriage, motherhood, grandmotherhood, authorship, brand development/marketing, teaching, journaling, landscape design, gardening, floral design, flower pressing, photography, textile design, stationery design, mixed media, and ceramics, not necessarily in that order. Each experience continues to inform my work process in countless and exciting ways.

My most recent work and the exhibition's centerpiece, "Love Knots" consists of over 140 clay knots I made at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia (@theclaystudiophl), where I am proudly an Associate member. The association of knots with love and connections has been present in many cultures since ancient times, including ancient Japanese culture, Greek jewelry, and Celtic knots. With this installation, I set out to commemorate Moore and "tie together" my first solo exhibition."