Artist

PHILOSOPHY OF WORK AND PLAY

Art pursuits have taken central and peripheral roles in my life. As a child I liked to draw, doodle and make cards for my family and friends. Pattern, colour and design drew me to craft projects. Trips to galleries and museums brought excitement. My parents always had art on the walls of our home and they encouraged me to take Painting in the Park every summer.

Studying Theatre Arts in university furthered my interests. Even though acting was my passion I was happy painting flats, sewing costumes and deciding on coloured gels for the right lighting – often on a 20’ ladder.

A career in retail opened my eyes to folk art from around the world as well as the latest in fashion trends. Owning my own business, buying for the shop, designing displays, colour coordinating clothing for customers and merchandizing the store helped to foster my artistic eye.

Upon retirement I got lucky. Finding a like minded group of wonderful people guided by a great teacher, Fran Alley, was the catalyst I needed to get working. I love being with a successful group of individuals who dream and scheme and get things done- in an artistic way of course! An original member of the Vancouver Art Guild, I continue to hone my skills with the group on Wednesday afternoons and on my own. Benefits have included painting trips around B. C. and to Europe which provide the creative icing on the cake.

May I mention that I have a very supportive and enthusiastic family that is not afraid to nudge if I get lazy!

I paint for pleasure. No angst. No social message. Just a strong desire to improve my skills and to better understand the fundamentals of painting.

RESUME

Born Amesbury, Wiltshire, England 3-30-1944.
Emigrated to Canada 1947.
Grew up on the west side of Vancouver B. C.
Attended the old Prince of Wales, Maple Grove and Magee schools.
Graduated with honors in Theatre Arts in 1965 from Mills College in Oakland, Calif.
Lived, traveled and worked in London England 1965-67.
Attended graduate school in Theatre at UBC 1967-70.
Owned and operated Fulano Imports Ltd. and That Place clothing store from 1970-1996.
Began painting with Margaret King at the Kitsilano Community Centre in 1997.
Studied painting with Fran Alley from 1999 until present.
Took painting classes with Cheryl Fortier from 2002 until present.
Am an original member of the Vancouver Art Guild.
Enjoyed “Brush Stroke Boot Camp” with Lisa Birke summer 2007.
Live in West Point Grey with husband Henry Rappaport and have 2 married sons.

CONTACTING THE ARTIST

email: jo.rappaport@vancouverartguild.com