Artist statement:
Josephine Tournier Ingram creates abstract paintings primarily in acrylic on large gallery-wrapped canvases, as well as Japanese watercolors with graphite on paper.
Josephine draws inspiration from the vivid colors and textures found in the natural landscapes of Santa Barbara, California, where she resides. Her artistic vision is continually influenced by the ocean's beauty, as well as the Rocky Mountains of her childhood. She also draws inspiration from the various places her family calls home, including Hawaii, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and New York City. The shimmering city lights and textures of urban life, juxtaposed with the ever-changing mountain scenery and ocean tides, fuel her artistic expression.
Her paintings often incorporate textures that have evolved over the past two decades, developed through a patient layering process that involves reworking older pieces originally created in different styles. This practice has become a form of meditative self-discovery, with each layer representing a repository of passion, experiences, and memories.
As a child, Josephine witnessed her father's gradual loss of vision due to Choroideremia, a genetic degenerative eye disease. This painful experience deeply impressed upon her the preciousness of visual perception, leading to a lifelong appreciation of every moment of sight and visual inspiration.
Music also plays a significant role in Josephine's creative process. Growing up, she immersed herself in the study and practice of dance, including classical ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. For her, both dance and painting serve as forms of meditation in motion. She enters a focused flow when creating art, driven by the rhythm and melody of the accompanying music.
Josephine has undertaken commissioned projects for art buyers and collectors, employing a collaborative approach that offers clients a selection of variations to choose from. This method allows for a low-pressure creative journey, where clients can select their personal favorite, while Josephine retains the remaining pieces for exhibition in galleries. Her clients have also acquired multiple pieces to curate cohesive art collections for their homes and estates.
Most of Josephine's available paintings are listed on her website, with shipping options available to most cities and countries around the globe. Art enthusiasts and collectors can also schedule appointments to view her paintings in her Santa Barbara, CA based art studio. To stay updated on her upcoming shows and exhibits, she encourages everyone to follow her on Instagram
“The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.”- Auguste Rodin