Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
CONTEMPORARY SURREALIST PAINTER
We see something original and unpredictable within Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk’s paintings. There is a sensual, mystical quality to her pictures. She touches on the old and makes it contemporary. It is as if her women travel through time and are ageless. People universally respond to Jo Ellen’s work through the subject’s eye contact. Her women are sirens drawing us into their individual situation. She provokes the viewer. Her characters are seen for the one frame of their story, and her vision broadens our reference for normal. We follow marvelously entranced in their personal and curious situations.
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Girl with a Black Mask in a Red Room, 2005
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Girl with a Black Mask in a Red Room, 2005
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Girl in a Red Room with Black Horns, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 27 in; 59.59 x 68.58 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Girl in a Red Room with Black Horns, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 27 in; 59.59 x 68.58 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Sorcerer’s Hat, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.5 in; 55.8 x 59.69 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Sorcerer’s Hat, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.5 in; 55.8 x 59.69 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Monkey Comb in Burning Hair, 2002
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 22 in; 55.88 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Monkey Comb in Burning Hair, 2002
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 22 in; 55.88 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Leopard Girl, Lizard Cemetery, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Leopard Girl, Lizard Cemetery, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Birds Flying Backwards, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.75 in; 55.88 x 60.33 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP10
Birds Flying Backwards, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.75 in; 55.88 x 60.33 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP10
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Indian Hat /Standing Dogs, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
25.5 x 22 in; 64.7 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Indian Hat /Standing Dogs, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
25.5 x 22 in; 64.7 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cactus Dogs Learning to Fly, 2004
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 22.5 in; 57.15 x 57.15 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Cactus Dogs Learning to Fly, 2004
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 22.5 in; 57.15 x 57.15 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Girl with a Black Mask in a Red Room, 2005
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Girl with a Black Mask in a Red Room, 2005
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Girl in a Red Room with Black Horns, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 27 in; 59.59 x 68.58 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Girl in a Red Room with Black Horns, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 27 in; 59.59 x 68.58 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Sorcerer’s Hat, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.5 in; 55.8 x 59.69 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Sorcerer’s Hat, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.5 in; 55.8 x 59.69 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Monkey Comb in Burning Hair, 2002
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 22 in; 55.88 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Monkey Comb in Burning Hair, 2002
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 22 in; 55.88 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Leopard Girl, Lizard Cemetery, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Leopard Girl, Lizard Cemetery, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
23 x 23 in; 58.42 x 58.42 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Birds Flying Backwards, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.75 in; 55.88 x 60.33 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP10
Birds Flying Backwards, 2000
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22 x 23.75 in; 55.88 x 60.33 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP10
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Indian Hat /Standing Dogs, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
25.5 x 22 in; 64.7 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Indian Hat /Standing Dogs, 2001
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
25.5 x 22 in; 64.7 x 55.88 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cactus Dogs Learning to Fly, 2004
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 22.5 in; 57.15 x 57.15 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Cactus Dogs Learning to Fly, 2004
Iris print with archival ink on Somerset Velvet 100% rag paper
22.5 x 22.5 in; 57.15 x 57.15 cm
Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition AP
Jo Ellen Van Ourwerkerk
Jadoo Wallah’s East Indian Rope Trick, 2021
Acrylic on canvas
19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.53 x 41.91 cm framed
Text:
It was the Rope Trick, the twenty -third of the Bangali jugglers’ legerdemain display, that was the most marvelous of all and would become the benchmark against all feats of Indian magic would be measured.
They produced a chain of fifty cubits in length, and in my presence, threw one end of it towards the sky, where it remained as if fastened to something in the air. A dog was then brought forward. And being placed at the lower end of the chain, immediately ran up, and reaching the end, immediately disappeared in the air.
John Zubryzychi
Jadoo Wallah’s, Jugglers & Jinns
Jadoo Wallah’s East Indian Rope Trick, 2021
Acrylic on canvas
19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.53 x 41.91 cm framed
Text:
It was the Rope Trick, the twenty -third of the Bangali jugglers’ legerdemain display, that was the most marvelous of all and would become the benchmark against all feats of Indian magic would be measured.
They produced a chain of fifty cubits in length, and in my presence, threw one end of it towards the sky, where it remained as if fastened to something in the air. A dog was then brought forward. And being placed at the lower end of the chain, immediately ran up, and reaching the end, immediately disappeared in the air.
John Zubryzychi
Jadoo Wallah’s, Jugglers & Jinns
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Ring Master of Trickery, 2021
Acrylic on canvas
25.5 x 21.5 inches; 64.77 x 54.61 cm framed
Text:
“Damn everything but the circus….damn everything that is grim, dull, motionless, unrisking, inward turning, damn everything that won’t get into the circle, that won’t enjoy. That won’t throw it’s heart into the tension, surprise, fear and delight of the circus, the round world, the full existence…” E.E. Cummings
Ring Master of Trickery, 2021
Acrylic on canvas
25.5 x 21.5 inches; 64.77 x 54.61 cm framed
Text:
“Damn everything but the circus….damn everything that is grim, dull, motionless, unrisking, inward turning, damn everything that won’t get into the circle, that won’t enjoy. That won’t throw it’s heart into the tension, surprise, fear and delight of the circus, the round world, the full existence…” E.E. Cummings
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cats Bewitched, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
Inscribed lower margin:
We sat as we always sat every night. But tonight the cats were spellbound. They licked the floor, the walls, the furniture.
“Cats” Charles Baudelaire 1847
In reverie they emulate the noble mood, of giant sphinxes stretched in depths of solitude;
who seem to slumber in a never-ending dream; within their fertile loins a sparkling magic lies;
finer than any sand are dusts of gold that gleam, vague star points, in the mystic iris of their eyes.
Cats Bewitched, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
Inscribed lower margin:
We sat as we always sat every night. But tonight the cats were spellbound. They licked the floor, the walls, the furniture.
“Cats” Charles Baudelaire 1847
In reverie they emulate the noble mood, of giant sphinxes stretched in depths of solitude;
who seem to slumber in a never-ending dream; within their fertile loins a sparkling magic lies;
finer than any sand are dusts of gold that gleam, vague star points, in the mystic iris of their eyes.
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Whispering Birds Arguing, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
Inscribed lower margin:
When the wooden birds began to whisper it really didn’t bother us.
We had to concentrate.
But when they started to argue, it became difficult
to keep our balance.
Whispering Birds Arguing, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
Inscribed lower margin:
When the wooden birds began to whisper it really didn’t bother us.
We had to concentrate.
But when they started to argue, it became difficult
to keep our balance.
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
First He Eats Her Hair, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
“The very dogs will eat up Jezebel.”
Was prophesized by God’s own very word,
came true as wicked. Jezebel paints herself;
adorns her hair, the harlot learns out to speak-
“Did all go well”? She asks sarcastically,
“Who is with me? Who?” says Jehu...
He rode with fury, righteousness his goal
he commented, “Let her drop!”
Be tramples by horses and left,
then eaten up by the dogs, says God’s Word
the palms of hands and souls of feet
remained of her, this wicked queen
Bible Books of 1 Kings 8:16-18, 25-27, 2 Chronicles: 22:2, 3, 2.7
First He Eats Her Hair, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 19.5 x 16.5 inches; 49.5 x 41.9 cm
“The very dogs will eat up Jezebel.”
Was prophesized by God’s own very word,
came true as wicked. Jezebel paints herself;
adorns her hair, the harlot learns out to speak-
“Did all go well”? She asks sarcastically,
“Who is with me? Who?” says Jehu...
He rode with fury, righteousness his goal
he commented, “Let her drop!”
Be tramples by horses and left,
then eaten up by the dogs, says God’s Word
the palms of hands and souls of feet
remained of her, this wicked queen
Bible Books of 1 Kings 8:16-18, 25-27, 2 Chronicles: 22:2, 3, 2.7
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
To Sleep Inside a Bear, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 18.25 x 18.25 inches; 46.4 x 46.4 cm
We researched our costumes, made drawings, tried different materials. I knew about the Bear Clans, the Cat Cults, the search for animal spirits. Those spirits only exist in the animals proper home.
“The Bear”- In late winter, I sometimes glimpse bits of steam coming up from some fault in the old snow and
close and see it is lung-colored and put down my nose and know the chilly, enduring odor of bear....
I hack a ravine in his thigh and eat and drink and tear him down his whole length and open him and climb in and close him up after me, against the wind, and sleep.
Galway Kinwell 1927-2014
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 18.25 x 18.25 inches; 46.4 x 46.4 cm
We researched our costumes, made drawings, tried different materials. I knew about the Bear Clans, the Cat Cults, the search for animal spirits. Those spirits only exist in the animals proper home.
“The Bear”- In late winter, I sometimes glimpse bits of steam coming up from some fault in the old snow and
close and see it is lung-colored and put down my nose and know the chilly, enduring odor of bear....
I hack a ravine in his thigh and eat and drink and tear him down his whole length and open him and climb in and close him up after me, against the wind, and sleep.
Galway Kinwell 1927-2014
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
We Swore An Oath to God and Country, 2016
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 44.25 x 34.5 inches; 112.4 x 87.6 cm
When we were young, we would dress up as characters from books. Our favorite was “A Man Who Would Be King” by Rudyard Kipling, 1888. we memorized even sang the hymn as we marched.
The Son of God goes forth to war, a kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar: Who follows in his train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe, triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below, he follows in His train.
Reginald Heber 1812
Acrylic on canvas
Custom framed 44.25 x 34.5 inches; 112.4 x 87.6 cm
When we were young, we would dress up as characters from books. Our favorite was “A Man Who Would Be King” by Rudyard Kipling, 1888. we memorized even sang the hymn as we marched.
The Son of God goes forth to war, a kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar: Who follows in his train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe, triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below, he follows in His train.
Reginald Heber 1812
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
To Be Like Amelia, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
11.5 x 13.5 inches; 29.2 x 34.3 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
‘I’m dreaming, I’m floating. I should be happy, but all I can think about is the danger below.
In 1928, Amelia Earhart wrote a letter to her father to be opened upon her death.
She wrote:
“Dearest Dad, Hooray for the last grand adventure! I wish I had won but it was worthwhile anyway. You know that.”
I wish I was more like Amelia.
To Be Like Amelia, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
11.5 x 13.5 inches; 29.2 x 34.3 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
‘I’m dreaming, I’m floating. I should be happy, but all I can think about is the danger below.
In 1928, Amelia Earhart wrote a letter to her father to be opened upon her death.
She wrote:
“Dearest Dad, Hooray for the last grand adventure! I wish I had won but it was worthwhile anyway. You know that.”
I wish I was more like Amelia.
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Wolves Driven Crazy By Perfume, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 14 inches; 40.6 x 35.6 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
"How Splendid the sunsets are on warm evenings! How deep space is!
How potent is the heart!
In bending over you, queen of adored women,
I thought I breathed the perfume in your blood.
How splendid the sunsets are on warm evenings!"
"The Balcony" by Charles Baudelaire 1836, (Translated by William Aggelep 1954)
Wolves Driven Crazy By Perfume, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 14 inches; 40.6 x 35.6 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
"How Splendid the sunsets are on warm evenings! How deep space is!
How potent is the heart!
In bending over you, queen of adored women,
I thought I breathed the perfume in your blood.
How splendid the sunsets are on warm evenings!"
"The Balcony" by Charles Baudelaire 1836, (Translated by William Aggelep 1954)
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
To Run Away From Wicked Deeds, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
13 x 10 inches; 33 x 25.4 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
"To wicked deeds I was inclined, and wicked fancies crossed my mind;
And every man I chanced to see, I thought he knew some ill of me.
No peace, no comfort could I find, no ease, within doors or without;
And crazily, and wearily, I went to work about.
Oft times I thought to run away; for me it was a woeful day."
-William Wordsworth 11815
To Run Away From Wicked Deeds, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
13 x 10 inches; 33 x 25.4 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
"To wicked deeds I was inclined, and wicked fancies crossed my mind;
And every man I chanced to see, I thought he knew some ill of me.
No peace, no comfort could I find, no ease, within doors or without;
And crazily, and wearily, I went to work about.
Oft times I thought to run away; for me it was a woeful day."
-William Wordsworth 11815
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Transitioning With Music, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
13 x 14.75 inches; 33 x 37.5 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
‘I am in need of music that would flow over my fretful, feeling fingertips.
Over my bitter-tainted, trembling lips, with melody, deep, clear and liquid-slow.
Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low, of some song sung to rest the tired dead,
A song to fall like water on my head, and over quivering limbs, dream flushed to glow!’
‘I Am In Need Of Music’ By Elizabeth Bishop 1911-1919
Transitioning With Music, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
13 x 14.75 inches; 33 x 37.5 cm custom framed
Titled on verso
Inscribed lower margin:
‘I am in need of music that would flow over my fretful, feeling fingertips.
Over my bitter-tainted, trembling lips, with melody, deep, clear and liquid-slow.
Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low, of some song sung to rest the tired dead,
A song to fall like water on my head, and over quivering limbs, dream flushed to glow!’
‘I Am In Need Of Music’ By Elizabeth Bishop 1911-1919
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
She Hears the Girls Whispering, 2008
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 40 inches; 76.2 x 101.6 cm
She Hears the Girls Whispering, 2008
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 40 inches; 76.2 x 101.6 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Hiding Her Spiderweb Hair
Before it Covers Her Face, 2007
Acrylic on canvas
38 x 28 inches; 96.5 x 71.1 cm
Hiding Her Spiderweb Hair
Before it Covers Her Face, 2007
Acrylic on canvas
38 x 28 inches; 96.5 x 71.1 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Haunted by the Girls Who Slept Here Before, 2006
Acrylic on canvas
69 x 44 inches; 175.3 x 111.8 cm
Haunted by the Girls Who Slept Here Before, 2006
Acrylic on canvas
69 x 44 inches; 175.3 x 111.8 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Dancing Skeletons, 1977-1999
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 65 inches; 152.4 x 165.1 cm
Dancing Skeletons, 1977-1999
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 65 inches; 152.4 x 165.1 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Leopard Woman, 2001
Acrylic on canvas,
43 x 43 inches; 109.22 x 109.22 cm
framed
Leopard Woman, 2001
Acrylic on canvas,
43 x 43 inches; 109.22 x 109.22 cm
framed
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
The Totem Maker’s Helper, 2001
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 50 inches; 127 x 127 cm
The Totem Maker’s Helper, 2001
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 50 inches; 127 x 127 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Levitation Hat Painting, 1997
73 x 60 inches; 185.4 x 152.4 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Framed
Levitation Hat Painting, 1997
73 x 60 inches; 185.4 x 152.4 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Framed
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cats Falling, 1983
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 55 inches; 91.4 x 139.7 cm
SOLD
Cats Falling, 1983
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 55 inches; 91.4 x 139.7 cm
SOLD
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Chinese Fingernails, 1977-99
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 43 inches; 203.2 x 109.2 cm
SOLD
Chinese Fingernails, 1977-99
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 43 inches; 203.2 x 109.2 cm
SOLD
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Trance Puppet Painting, 1988
54 x 73 inches; 137.2 x 185.4 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Framed
Trance Puppet Painting, 1988
54 x 73 inches; 137.2 x 185.4 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Framed
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Monkey Skins/Buried Birds, 1974
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 60 inches; 101.6 x 152.4 cm
Monkey Skins/Buried Birds, 1974
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 60 inches; 101.6 x 152.4 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Shark Fin Scenery, 1974
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 66 inches; 101.6 x 152.4 cm
Shark Fin Scenery, 1974
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 66 inches; 101.6 x 152.4 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Women In Piles Of Wood Waiting To Burn, 2010
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 30 inches; 101.6 x 76.2 cm
Framed: 48.8 x 38.8 inches; 123.8 x 98.4 cm
Women In Piles Of Wood Waiting To Burn, 2010
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 30 inches; 101.6 x 76.2 cm
Framed: 48.8 x 38.8 inches; 123.8 x 98.4 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Performers Spin and Dance,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 14.75 x 16.75 inches; 37.46 x 42.55 cm
"After all, we were performers. We expected to entertain, to spin, to dance all night. But I didn’t expect this."
Performers Spin and Dance,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 14.75 x 16.75 inches; 37.46 x 42.55 cm
"After all, we were performers. We expected to entertain, to spin, to dance all night. But I didn’t expect this."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Promises Made to the Sick,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 22.75 x 20 inches; 55.88 x 50.8 cm
"We prayed on it. I made promises. That’s what I felt I had to do, but I would have said anything. Now it was time for me to honor my pledge, while I wondered what would happen if I didn’t. Who would know?"
Promises Made to the Sick,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 22.75 x 20 inches; 55.88 x 50.8 cm
"We prayed on it. I made promises. That’s what I felt I had to do, but I would have said anything. Now it was time for me to honor my pledge, while I wondered what would happen if I didn’t. Who would know?"
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Pushed into the Well,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 12.25 x 14 inches; 31.12 x 35.56 cm
“Little girls this seems to say, Never stop upon your way, Never trust a stranger friend; No one knows how it will end.” – Perault’s Fairy Tales
Pushed into the Well,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 12.25 x 14 inches; 31.12 x 35.56 cm
“Little girls this seems to say, Never stop upon your way, Never trust a stranger friend; No one knows how it will end.” – Perault’s Fairy Tales
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Skeleton’s Tea Party,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16 x 20; 40.64 x 50.8 cm
“England a fortune telling host, As num’rous as the stars, could boast; Matrons, who toss the cup and see The grounds of fate, in grounds of tea;” – Charles Churchill, 1731 – 1769
Skeleton’s Tea Party,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16 x 20; 40.64 x 50.8 cm
“England a fortune telling host, As num’rous as the stars, could boast; Matrons, who toss the cup and see The grounds of fate, in grounds of tea;” – Charles Churchill, 1731 – 1769
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Stepping Off the Edge,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 27 x 31 inches; 68.58 x 78.74 cm
“When you come to the edge of all the light you’ve known, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown: Faith is knowing one of two things will happen, you’ll have something solid to stand on, or you’ll be taught to fly.” - Patrick Overton, The Leaning Tree
Stepping Off the Edge,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 27 x 31 inches; 68.58 x 78.74 cm
“When you come to the edge of all the light you’ve known, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown: Faith is knowing one of two things will happen, you’ll have something solid to stand on, or you’ll be taught to fly.” - Patrick Overton, The Leaning Tree
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Struwwelpeter,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16 x 20 inches; 40.46 x 50.8 cm
She read to us every day with the intent to make a difference in our lives. ”Struwelpeter”, by Heinrich Hoffman had a story about about a boy who sucked his thumb.
"The great tall tailor always comes
To little boys who suck their thumbs
And ‘ere they dream what he’s about,
He takes his great sharp scissors out.
And cuts their thumbs clean off-
And then, you know, they never grow again.
Mamma scarcely turn’d her back,
The thumb was in, Alack! Alack!"
Struwwelpeter,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16 x 20 inches; 40.46 x 50.8 cm
She read to us every day with the intent to make a difference in our lives. ”Struwelpeter”, by Heinrich Hoffman had a story about about a boy who sucked his thumb.
"The great tall tailor always comes
To little boys who suck their thumbs
And ‘ere they dream what he’s about,
He takes his great sharp scissors out.
And cuts their thumbs clean off-
And then, you know, they never grow again.
Mamma scarcely turn’d her back,
The thumb was in, Alack! Alack!"
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Sword Swallower’s Assistant,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 12 ½” x 14 inches; 31.75 x 35.56 cm
"I was his assistant and that was all. Henry Ringling North said, “the circus is a jealous wench… who kills the brightest stars in her crown and will allow no private life for those who serve her.”
Sword Swallower’s Assistant,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 12 ½” x 14 inches; 31.75 x 35.56 cm
"I was his assistant and that was all. Henry Ringling North said, “the circus is a jealous wench… who kills the brightest stars in her crown and will allow no private life for those who serve her.”
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
The Magician,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 40 x 36 inches; 101.6 x 91.44 cm
"I believed I could get what I wanted if I practiced and practiced. Levitation wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to make something disappear."
The Magician,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 40 x 36 inches; 101.6 x 91.44 cm
"I believed I could get what I wanted if I practiced and practiced. Levitation wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to make something disappear."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
A Gift of Wind to Delight and Amuse,
Acrylic on Canvas,
11 x 14 inches; 27.94 x 35.56 cm
A Gift of Wind to Delight and Amuse,
Acrylic on Canvas,
11 x 14 inches; 27.94 x 35.56 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cats in the Cage,
Acrylic on canvas,
13.5 x 17.5 inches; 34.29 x 44.45 cm,
“My beautiful cat, come onto my heart full of love; Hold back the claws of your paw, And let me plunge into your adorable eyes Mixed with metal and agate.”
Cats in the Cage,
Acrylic on canvas,
13.5 x 17.5 inches; 34.29 x 44.45 cm,
“My beautiful cat, come onto my heart full of love; Hold back the claws of your paw, And let me plunge into your adorable eyes Mixed with metal and agate.”
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
They Shall Not Grow Old,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 25 x 32.75 inches; 64.77 x 83.19 cm,
How is it possible to pick one or even two items that meant so much to them. Yet we had to decide what reminded us most of those gone. There were bound to be disagreements brought on by our grief. “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning – We will remember them.” – Robert Laurence Binyon, 1914
They Shall Not Grow Old,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 25 x 32.75 inches; 64.77 x 83.19 cm,
How is it possible to pick one or even two items that meant so much to them. Yet we had to decide what reminded us most of those gone. There were bound to be disagreements brought on by our grief. “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning – We will remember them.” – Robert Laurence Binyon, 1914
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
About the Shoes,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 35 x 25.5 inches; 88.9 x 64.77 cm,
"It was never about the shoes. We both knew that. After all of these years we had finally gone too far. Even as I grabbed the heel of the red shoe, All I could think about was the size of her hands and how awkwardly she moved. Time slowed down. I felt like I was floating above us, watching our dance, our fight….a bystander."
About the Shoes,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 35 x 25.5 inches; 88.9 x 64.77 cm,
"It was never about the shoes. We both knew that. After all of these years we had finally gone too far. Even as I grabbed the heel of the red shoe, All I could think about was the size of her hands and how awkwardly she moved. Time slowed down. I felt like I was floating above us, watching our dance, our fight….a bystander."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Bride of the Bees,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 18 x 21 inches; 45.72 x 53.34 cm
I felt like a Queen… and now the bees made me their bride. “A maiden in glory, upon her wedding day, must tell her bees the story, or else they’ll fly away – die away, dwindle down and leave you! But if you don’t deceive your bees, your bees will never leave you.” – Rudyard Kipling, The Bee – Boys Song, 1906
Bride of the Bees,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 18 x 21 inches; 45.72 x 53.34 cm
I felt like a Queen… and now the bees made me their bride. “A maiden in glory, upon her wedding day, must tell her bees the story, or else they’ll fly away – die away, dwindle down and leave you! But if you don’t deceive your bees, your bees will never leave you.” – Rudyard Kipling, The Bee – Boys Song, 1906
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Cats Playing Piano Not Enough,
Acrylic on canvas
, Framed: 30.25 x 26.25 inches; 76.84 x 66.68 cm
"I had hoped my playing would be enchanting… I practiced and practiced, trying to be entertaining. We had performed together for years but now, all she wanted to do was look at herself in the mirror. It was as though she was hypnotized by her own image. Even the cats seemed under her spell."
Cats Playing Piano Not Enough,
Acrylic on canvas
, Framed: 30.25 x 26.25 inches; 76.84 x 66.68 cm
"I had hoped my playing would be enchanting… I practiced and practiced, trying to be entertaining. We had performed together for years but now, all she wanted to do was look at herself in the mirror. It was as though she was hypnotized by her own image. Even the cats seemed under her spell."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Dancing Stilt Walkers,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 13.25 x 17.5 inches; 33.66 x 44.45 cm
"To walk on stilts was magical. We were the “Moko Jumbies,” telling stories with our movements. It was a way to dance with our great, great grandmothers."
Dancing Stilt Walkers,
Acrylic on Canvas,
Framed: 13.25 x 17.5 inches; 33.66 x 44.45 cm
"To walk on stilts was magical. We were the “Moko Jumbies,” telling stories with our movements. It was a way to dance with our great, great grandmothers."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Danza Macabra,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 14 x 17 inches; 35.56 x 43.18 cm
We helped each other pile the marigolds on our head as high as possible. We made exquisite shadows. “Some lovers of the flesh, perhaps will claim thou art a travesty. They do not know the nameless elegance of the human frame. Tall skeleton, my heart prefers thee so.” - Charles Baudelaire, translated by Louis Piagit Shanks Flowers of Evil, 1931
Danza Macabra,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 14 x 17 inches; 35.56 x 43.18 cm
We helped each other pile the marigolds on our head as high as possible. We made exquisite shadows. “Some lovers of the flesh, perhaps will claim thou art a travesty. They do not know the nameless elegance of the human frame. Tall skeleton, my heart prefers thee so.” - Charles Baudelaire, translated by Louis Piagit Shanks Flowers of Evil, 1931
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Spider Woman Using Her Web,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 25 x 38.75 inches; 63.5 x 98.43 cm
"I used to travel a great deal when I was younger. But now I question: How did I find my way out of that jungle? Where were those mountains in India? Did I cross that desert in summer? As I get older, I hope those memories come back. But it makes no difference if all of those fantastic things I think I saw, never really existed."
Spider Woman Using Her Web,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 25 x 38.75 inches; 63.5 x 98.43 cm
"I used to travel a great deal when I was younger. But now I question: How did I find my way out of that jungle? Where were those mountains in India? Did I cross that desert in summer? As I get older, I hope those memories come back. But it makes no difference if all of those fantastic things I think I saw, never really existed."
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Jumping Cats / Birds Singing in an Ear,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16.25 x 18.25 inches; 41.28 x 46.35 cm
Jumping Cats / Birds Singing in an Ear,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 16.25 x 18.25 inches; 41.28 x 46.35 cm
Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk
Monkeys with Crowns/Pigs with Hats,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 20 x 18 inches; 50.8 x 45.72 cm
Monkeys with Crowns/Pigs with Hats,
Acrylic on canvas,
Framed: 20 x 18 inches; 50.8 x 45.72 cm