JOAN POTTER has distinguished herself as a still life painter in the manner of the Dutch School. A single light source - light coming out of the dark - and a strong focal point - a place for the eye to rest - are key elements she has mastered. Potter's work, classical and formal by nature, balances texture and color, inanimate and animate objects.

In creating a composition, she draws on objects she has collected from years of travel and living abroad; carefully, she works out the compositional challenges before putting a brush to canvas. She creates a hint of mystery as the eye inquisitively moves from pewter to porcelain, fresh sliced peaches or fallen petals.