“Be even more daring. Take risks. Paint with confidence. Stick something in the painting that will surprise you.”
–artist Jon Imber to his students
An esteemed teacher, artist Jon Imber (1951-2014) taught figure drawing at Harvard University for 27 years. During the summer months, he led painting workshops in Stonington, Maine, where he and his wife, artist Jill Hoy, were longtime seasonal residents.
The four artists included in this exhibition studied with Imber over the course of many years. They were each invited to participate in the exhibition at Imber’s request before he passed away on April 17 of this year. The following are their statements on the impact of his teaching on their art.
Elizabeth Hoy
“Jon’s impact on my work is so far-reaching that it’s difficult for me to articulate. I began studying with Jon when I was a junior in high school, and in his class I made my first oil painting. Whenever I’m painting I consider a revolving list of questions that Jon would propose in a critique—questions about composition, balance, mark making, warm/cool color relationships, art historical references, and how to challenge myself to keep looking and inventing in order to make the best painting possible.”
Elizabeth Hoy is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received her MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2008, she received a travel fellowship from the Royal College of Art, London. Among her numerous exhibitions are recent shows at the Bronx Museum, The Painting Center, the Governor’s Island Art Fair, and Jeffery Leder Gallery, all in NYC. elizabethhoy.com
Jay Wu
“To Jon: After 17 years of learning from you, one would expect my work to look like yours – but they don’t; and perhaps that’s the best quality in your teaching. You never taught me to be you, you taught me to better myself. And I thank you so much for that.”
Jay Wu received an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2004, and a BA in studio arts and mathematics from Boston College. He has exhibited at gWatson Gallery, Stonington; the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; and the Attleboro Arts Museum. jaywuartwork.com
Hannah Bureau
“Jon taught with energy, dedication, and amazing focus. I hold on tight to his words of painting wisdom. I remember him telling me with great humor to ‘throw a boat in there so it will sell!’ There were many valuable lessons in contrasts: ‘If there’s a warm blue — add a cool blue, a big shape – add a small, a hard edge – add a soft edge … and if all else fails, try a dot of cadmium red and a white brushstroke.’ I think of these words every single day I am painting. I am blessed to have been a student of Jon’s. He will be greatly missed.”
Hannah Bureau graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and received her MFA in painting from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has exhibited her work at the Provincetown Art Association Museum, gWatson Gallery, Stonington, and PULSE Art Fair, NYC, among other venues. saatchiart.com/hannahbureau
Robin Reynolds
“Jon was an exceptional teacher who inspired me to paint through his joy of painting, nurturing his students through his humor, knowledge of art history, and sheer love of the painting process. He taught me to consider the whole painting, to take risks and not be afraid to ruin a painting; either by wiping out whole sections, making broad sweeping marks, or turning the painting around and upside down but most importantly to have fun and surprise myself.”
Robin Reynolds has had recent solo exhibitions with Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe; Soprafino Gallery, Boston; and gWatson Gallery, Stonington. She received her MFA from the Savannah College of Art & Design, BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art, and BA in art history and economics from Colby College. She has received awards from the Millay Colony of the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Vermont Studio School, among others. robinlreynolds.com
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 24, 4-6pm.
CMCA is grateful for the generous support from main media sponsor Maine Home + Design magazine.
