Alchemical Rending is an evocative composition that explores the intersection of geometry, symbolism, and perceptual inquiry through a tightly composed and meticulously executed ink drawing. The work features a central circular form layered with radial lines, checkerboard textures, and a pyramid-like structure, surrounded by concentric ellipses and rectilinear segments. This central motif is reminiscent of an alchemical diagram, thus the name. Here the central form serves to anchor the composition in a space where perception, pattern, and meaning interlace. Continue reading “Alchemical Rendering #1 (1981)”
A portable, intimate example of the artist’s work, this card reflects her interest in transformation and fluidity, with a design that feels both structured and spontaneous. Continue reading “Mutation Study Greeting Card (2019)”
Homage to Vermeer (2011) reimagines Johannes Vermeer’s The Art of Painting through a contemporary lens. Rather than replicating the Dutch master’s meticulous realism, the work translates Vermeer’s luminous interior into a modern idiom of layered color, flattened space, and pattern. By invoking Vermeer’s iconic meditation on the painter at work, this painting also places Ione’s practice within a lineage of artists reflecting on the nature of painting. Continue reading “Homage to Vermeer’s Art of Painting (2011)”
Spring Medley, a vivid exploration of geometric abstraction, features a dynamic interplay of triangles, lines, and gradients. It has an architectural stability, with form and color converging to evoke motion, depth, and resonance. When engaging with this non-representational work, the eye is drawn across the canvas by the rhythm of these shapes and the way the gradient transitions strike the eye. Because the qualities of one’s visual experience are subtle, it takes continued or prolonged engagement to sense how both structured and fluid elements impact the viewer on a sensory level. Continue reading “Spring Medley (2010)”
Although this homage painting does not look at all like a Leonardo da Vinci work, the reference here is to an idea found in Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, where he encouraged artists to study stains on walls to spark imaginative interpretations. Leonardo’s Wall is a painting that echoes his recommendation. Its title invites viewers to find meaning in the work’s abstract gestures. In other words, when viewers actively engage with this perceptual puzzle they perceive “faces” that are not literal portraits but rather gestural impressions.
This drawing/painting was also known at Plato’s Cave when created. Like many artists, at that time I thought Plato was talking about artistic creativity when he introduced the Allegory of the Cave in the Republic. I removed the Plato reference when I realized that he had actually banned the artists from his Republic, disdaining their ability to convince people that mere “illusions,” were actually the Truth. Continue reading “The Artist as Creator #1 (Plato’s Cave)”
Historically, landscapes were often sentimental or romanticized. This work challenges traditional approaches. As a painting, it rejects realism. As a social statement, it acknowledges we live in a changed environment and are rethinking how humans relate to Earth Systems.
