Meet Artist: Janet Mishner

October 2021—Inspired by the pandemic, Janet Mishner built her latest series of abstract paintings, “Isolation v Connection,” using the structure of the grid. Isolation is represented by boundaries of color in each grid, symbolizing the physical need to be safe. Connection is represented by the markings and colors permeating various sections of the grid, articulating the strong natural need for people to connect with each other.

Another series, “On and Off the Grid,” uses the grid structure to explore the conflict between rules (expressed by the grid) versus subversive activity (permeating the grid). This work satisfies the artist’s playful and rebellious nature.

“Although my art runs the gamut of figurative and abstract, the steady theme throughout my career as an artist is my aversion to painting from direct observation. I have always used ideas and an accumulation of observations as inspiration for my work,” Ms. Mishner explains. 

“My figurative work has often been called narrative, as viewers often come up with their own story related to the painting they see before them. It is extremely satisfying to experience varied reactions to my work, since another of my objectives as a painter is to encourage individual interpretation.”

Janet Mishner’s work may be seen at Art Uptown Gallery in downtown Sarasota, where she is a long-time member, or on her website, www.janetmishner.com.