Almost Heaven, Mary-Jo Okawa, 2023, silk painting, 24 x 24 in. / 60.96 x 60.96 cm.

Radiant Joy: The Energy in Mary-Jo Okawa's Work

October 8, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Almost Heaven, Mary-Jo Okawa, 2023, silk painting, 24 x 24 in. / 60.96 x 60.96 cm.

Mary-Jo Okawa’s silk paintings blend vibrant colors, dynamic forms, and a profound connection to nature’s beauty.

Mary-Jo Okawa is an artist known for her vibrant silk paintings that explore the beauty and energy of natural landscapes. Her works capture the interplay of light, movement, and emotion, bringing a sense of joy and serenity to viewers through her dynamic use of color and texture.

Her works explore the shifting interplay of light and landscape, transforming familiar scenes into ethereal experiences. Whether capturing a serene mountain lake or a radiant sunset, Okawa uses silk as her medium to amplify the fluidity and luminosity of her subjects. Okawa transports viewers into scenes of joy, serenity, and cosmic wonder.

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Reflections, Mary-Jo Okawa, 2024, silk painting, 30 x 40 in. / 76.2 x 101.6 cm.

Reflections showcases Okawa’s mastery in depicting nature’s tranquility. The large, autumnal trees standing by a calm lake are reflected perfectly in the shimmering water below. The rolling hills in the background, combined with the reflection, create a sense of stillness and depth, as if the viewer could step into the painting and be enveloped by the serene atmosphere. The silk medium enhances the smooth textures of the water and the softness of the trees’ leaves, while the autumn colors are vibrant and alive.

In Reflections, Okawa captures the peaceful yet powerful beauty of nature. The use of silk brings a luminous quality to the painting, where the water’s reflection almost feels tangible. The balance between the autumn foliage and the cool, reflective water exemplifies Okawa’s ability to depict harmony in nature. This work is a celebration of stillness and natural beauty, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the calm, reflective qualities of the landscape.

Walkin' on Sunshine, Mary-Jo Okawa, 2024, silk painting, 24 x 24 in. / 60.96 x 60.96 cm.

In Walkin’ on Sunshine, Okawa fills the canvas with the radiant energy of a sunset. The sun, emanating golden rays that stretch across the horizon, dominates the scene, casting vibrant colors onto the ocean waves below. The silk medium adds depth and texture to the scene, making the rays appear as though they are bursting outward, while the waves shimmer with lively movement. This painting evokes a sense of joy, warmth, and boundless energy, encouraging viewers to feel as if they are experiencing the bliss of a seaside sunset.

Walkin’ on Sunshine is a dynamic and joyful representation of nature’s vibrancy. The radiating sun and its golden rays are full of life, making the painting feel energetic and almost tactile. The silk’s natural sheen enhances the sunlight and waves, adding a visual texture that makes the scene come alive. Okawa’s ability to capture movement and light in such a vivid, joyful way makes this painting an uplifting and radiant piece.

Wishing, Mary-Jo Okawa, 2022, silk painting, 22 x 22 in. / 55.88 x 55.88 cm.

In Wishing, Okawa transports viewers into a dreamlike, nocturnal landscape. The full moon shines brightly over a mountainous landscape, with shooting stars dancing across the midnight sky. The rich, deep blues and greens of the hills contrast with the bright light of the moon and stars, creating a magical, otherworldly scene. The silk medium adds softness and fluidity to the sky, making the shooting stars and moon appear to glow. This painting captures the feeling of wonder and possibility that comes with a quiet night under the stars.

Wishing is a mesmerizing exploration of night’s beauty, where the fluidity of the silk medium enhances the cosmic quality of the scene. The moon’s glow and the shooting stars create a celestial atmosphere, while the rich, earthy tones of the landscape anchor the painting. Okawa’s attention to light and movement transforms this night scene into a magical moment of quiet reflection and wonder. The balance between the serenity of the land and the activity of the sky makes Wishing a captivating and contemplative work.

Mary-Jo Okawa’s silk paintings are vibrant celebrations of nature’s beauty and energy. From the serene reflection of trees in a lake to the radiant joy of a sunset and the magical quiet of a starry night, her works capture the essence of natural landscapes through the unique properties of silk. The fluidity, texture, and luminosity that Okawa achieves in her paintings make each scene feel alive and filled with emotion, inviting viewers to experience the world with renewed wonder.

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