Emissary of Color — Artist Statement

Since childhood I have incessantly questioned the meaning of life — wondering, asking: Why am I here? What is my purpose? My introspective path is one of deep sensitivity. Feeling exultation as I continually embrace what feel to be ultimate truths, the unknown stills lies beyond and I find myself delving into the essence of the beautiful and mysterious inner realm of Color. It is here I experience “Clear Feeling” as my brush attracts dominating and flowing Colors and forms. The Spirit of Color speaks and I disappear in the process. The Colors take over with clear, intelligent intentions to heal and love. Images reveal themselves. I respond accordingly.

I have accepted the mission to represent the Spirit of Color in our lives. Color impacts our bodies penetrating our very essence. The Spirit of Color evokes an emotional connection, opening a channel for the viewer towards self-discovery. As an Emissary for Color, I offer myself in service.

My Commissioned Energy Portraits in oil are representations of the “Colored Ethereal Energies” of my clients. The Portraits are embodiments of life, connected to Spirit with origins in a sacred place I feel privy to enter. Sensing the vibrational attraction of Colors, I feel directed with visuals and words, sometimes in the middle of the night. The Portraits emerge spontaneously from nature and I become the conduit capturing essence, Color, and shape. The painting process is very fluid and time passes without notice. Layers upon layers of Color and light flow, and shapes and forms emerge. Beauty and love surround.

The Energy Portrait’s Colors target emotions for a particular person, animal, group or organization, and through “Visual Imprinting,” occurring from repetitious viewing, there is a deepened connection to their essence or mission. It is my hope the Color frequencies of these portraits caress and uplift the viewer with ongoing positive energy, bringing their own magnificence, beauty, and divine glow to their increased awareness.

My first series, “Humans in Nature,” (1995) was created out of a deep connection to Native American music. The images of that series are semi-abstract figurative, quite sensual and voluptuous. They appeared on my canvases and I followed their direction.

“China Dolls,” (2000) my second series, was painted with human hair brushes from China, gifts from a dear friend. The series is reminiscent of the psychedelic forms of the nineteen sixties. These works are in two colors and figures are prominent, as in “Humans in Nature.” However the figures disguise themselves within the paintings.

My working series, entitled “Calibrations — My Promise,” is about healing our emotions, continuing the long tradition of the therapeutic use of Color. This series fulfills the “Promise” I made to my deeply cherished cousin, the late Arlene Raven, noted Art Historian, Author, and Critic. It is to her lasting memory I dedicate this new series.

As an Emissary of Color I feel deep gratitude and awe for my gift. Color indeed has a purpose and mission and I feel honored to help bring the “Spirit of Color” to the forefront of our emerging global awareness.

Comments from Joy's Admirers

“Ms. DiMenna's work is part of the emerging culture of healing art. She has a rare and special capacity to translate a healing vibration in the movement of her paintings; capturing the dynamic frequencies of the individual's own energy. By the very nature of observation, this unique art form reflects back to the receiver a frequency that results in an increase in self-awareness. The highly personalized art creates a healing effect and therefore a shift in consciousness. Truly an unusual gift.”

“I have always felt that my true environment is water rather than air. Not only my astrological sign, but my life long romance with being in the water makes me most at home in this more viscous medium. Joy has painted her entire picture of my energy field in this rolling soothing symphony of blue. Her shapes are also a reminder of the female torso as the matter of earth and especially the pelvis, the site and first home of all people. This painting is a truer portrait of my essential being than any exterior likeness of my face of form.”

“There are some experiences and relationships that are beyond words. As I write about my experience with my energy portrait I feel in some ways that I am creating words for the unspeakable. The transformation and evolution that has occurred in my “relationship” with the portrait has been very profound.

The portrait seemingly changes and reflects my heart. The painting evoked tears of grief as I recognized parts of myself that had been dismissed. The painting brought waves of understanding and compassion for the parts that I found unlovable. The painting has brought fresh hope and joy when it showed me that I am whole and blossoming.

Joy is a truly gifted painter. Joy has painted gratitude. Joy has painted me a treasure.”

“Joy is a mirror for the soul. After receiving my “Energy Portrait” , my energy essence painting, I realized that my soul, my essence, is constantly revealing herself in my life. I am grateful for this awareness.”

“Blue Angel captures the sublime, ethereal and fluid nature of my essence balanced by the quiet power of an ever-present body. it is both of the world and of the spirit.”