From the serene suburbs of mid-century America, raised by a registered nurse and an accountant, Banks Artist, Joan Banks, always harbored a deep personal yearning for artistic expression. Her early life was rich with creative pursuits, encompassing piano, dance, flute, and voice lessons. Exposure to theatre, concerts, and museums ignited a powerful passion, setting the stage for a future immersed in the world of art.
This initial artistic drive found its first outlet in ceramics, where she crafted coil vases in diverse styles. This exploration naturally progressed to ceramic jewelry, aligning with the burgeoning “Wearable Art” trend of the 1990s.
Banks Artist successfully sold her handcrafted jewelry to upscale women’s clothing boutiques. A particular skill emerged as a source of enjoyment and challenge: color matching. Store owners would present their latest collections and specify the jewelry pieces needed. Drawing upon her innate color memory, Joan would create abstract earrings and necklaces, meticulously painted to complement the garments. Upon delivery, the colors consistently achieved a perfect match, revealing a natural “knack” for color harmony.
During this period, manufacturing opportunities arose for her jewelry line. However, Banks Artist remained committed to the principle that each piece must be handcrafted. She deeply valued the direct involvement of her hands in every creation and consciously chose a path that honored this artistic value.
This commitment marked a pivotal juncture in her artistic journey. A connection through her husband to a prominent Disney animator opened doors to an expansive realm of artistic possibilities, profoundly shaping her identity as an artist.
For a decade, Banks Artist contributed to Feature Animation at Disney Studios. She joined the Ink and Paint department, honing her skills as a proficient “flat painter” and inker. The meticulous art of Disney inking, she discovered, possessed a fluidity akin to the movements of a tai chi master. The act of drawing a line with finesse, applying precise pressure to thicken or taper it, instilled in her a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for subtle gesture.
Simultaneously, Disney offered its employees access to a wealth of art classes. Banks Artist seized this opportunity, studying drawing under masterful animators—the very artists who had shaped iconic Disney animated classics. The bi-weekly, live-model sculpture classes, led by renowned sculptor and art professor Ron Pekar, proved particularly formative. Disney animators, Imagineers, and architects shared their diverse skill sets, providing a learning environment from which she continues to draw inspiration.
The fundamentals of form and scale were second nature to these Disney artists. Animators, adept at creating and excelling in dynamic poses, readily conveyed gesture and emotion, from quick sketches to extended studies. Banks Artist learned that subtle adjustments, seemingly minor, could infuse a piece with life and dynamism.
These classes illuminated the distinct style and unique perspective inherent in each artist, and how these elements converge to form an unmistakable artistic voice.
Over time, Banks Artist recognized the profound breadth of the artistic education she had received within this esteemed environment. It played a crucial role in nurturing her own artistic voice, a voice that she now holds with conviction.
While her art could technically be produced digitally, Banks Artist believes that personal, hands-on execution imbues each piece with a unique spirit. She emphasizes the palpable humanity inherent in handcrafted work. Her dedication to precision sets a high standard. She believes that when individuals connect with her art on an emotional level, it is because she has imparted a spiritual essence through the deliberate use of artistic tools and techniques.
In her words, “The dinner tastes better when made with love!” This philosophy underscores her approach to art creation.
Life, in its vastness and abundance of aspirations, is something Banks Artist seeks to enrich through her art. Her ultimate wish is to enhance your life through her creations, contributing to your own journey and experiences.
With love,
Joan
