If you wish to make a purchase of any art, contact the artist directly.
JoAnne Thorn
180 Parkview Dr.
Orange City, Fl. 32763
(904) 775-2598
E-mail JoAnne Thorn quantum@totcon.com
"The Cave of Destiny"
In this surreal image, the woman in the image reaches out to that
which is beyond her grasp, The Other, pictured as a man, and as spheres of concentric
light. She stands on solid rock of the present. Within it are imbedded images of people's
faces. It is the experiences with others that make up our present life. But like Plato's
Cave, we know there is something more beyond our sight. The image represents the struggle
of each day, as we reach out for more of life, more of the unknown. It is the true destiny
of each of us.
"Green Lizard Basking"
(Detail of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse)
A native to Florida, the Green Anole, changes color like the
chameleon. But each year fewer are seen. It seems that larger brown lizards have been
introduced into the environment. The brown lizards are more aggressive and are taking over
the Green Anole's habitat. It is estimated that in less than ten years, the docile green
lizards will become extinct. The world continues to change and evolve. The balance of
nature is fragile indeed. In each touch, we bring about changes the consequences of which
we can never know. The lizard basks in the sun, oblivious to all but the moment. But
change occurs nonetheless.
"Phoenix"
The most basic of elements, darkness and light, are entangled and
interwoven in this computer graphic. From the chaos there emerges a face. Within each of
us are distinct contradictions. The struggle of life involves overcoming the darkness and
rising up to face our true selves in the light of day. From the flames of confusion there
arises, like the Phoenix, new life.
"Loggerhead Garden"
At a depth of eighty feet, I encountered an enormous Loggerhead
turtle. It slowly swam around the three divers, seemingly unafraid. Beneath the surface
lies many mysteries, many gardens of profound beauty. They exist whether we are aware of
them or not, carrying on the task of life, beyond our imagination.
"A Mother's Touch"
There is a gentleness to a mother manatee's interaction with her
offspring. I am constantly amazed at the amount of close touch that occurs between them.
They are nearly in constant contact. As humans, we often overlook our own need to be
touched by others. It is in touch that we are reaffirmed and comforted, encouraged and
cared for. We touch with a word, a look, or a manatee mother's gently play.
Tarpon
Diving on a Florida reef, I am used to looking for tiny forms of
life to photograph. The tarpon loomed out of proportion to the rest as it glided over my
head. Based on the experience rather than on a single photograph, I created this computer
painting to remember the moment. The shining silver fish was stunning as it cast a glance
my way. I wonder what fishlike thought rambled through it's mind at the sight of a most
peculiar creature trespassing on it's world. Often we forget that we are merely visitors
to the sea. It belongs to the tiny creatures and the great shining one.
Faces at the Window
While diving in the Florida Keys, I happened upon a school of Grunts hanging motionless
under the branches of an Elkhorn coral. As I swam slowly toward them, they merely watched
curiously, not the least bit disturbed at the intrusion. The show unfolded for them as I
took photographs of them and fluttered my fins. I thought of reaching out to touch the
closest fish, but instead, I merely backed away, leaving them to their fish business. For
ten years now I have had occasion to dive this spot, and always I find a school of Grunts
at this location. It must be an ocean tradition, handed down from Grunt to Gruntling.
"Hover and see. Strange creatures from above will arrive at our window."
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
I have seen the lighthouse from many angles. In the distance,
from the water or from the road, it rises up to remind me of long ago travelers, led on by
it's light. From a close up view, the bricks are worn and windblown. The steps within lead
up in a dizzying spiral to an unparalleled vista, water and land laid out in twists and
turns, softened by the mist of the sea. Beneath the lighthouse a native lizard, the Green
Anole, suns itself, unable to see the towering form before it. Like the lizard, I gather
warmth from my little world, often unaware of the majesty looming largely right before my
eyes. Other times, I can climb the steps to see the world set out below. I have found that
only in enduring the twists and turns of the climb am I rewarded with the view.
Refuge
There is a hidden beach in Stuart, Florida, upon which is built a
House of Refuge. It was used as lodging for stranded sailors a century ago. It still
stands on solid rock on a clifflike outcropping at the edge of the ocean. On winter days
the waves beat against the rocks in a most un-Florida-like way, casting salty spray upon
visitors. A worn and creaking fence separates the child from the raging sea. Feeling
unduly secure, little child gazes out in wonder at the big wide world unknown. Mysterious
creatures crawl the deep, stars spin unseen in the sky. Worn and creaking fence protects
me in it's way, from being overwhelmed with awe.
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