Sally-Ann Johns

Artist Statement

The mysterious iconography of the Catholic and Apostolic Church has been inspiring my work for many years. Each piece of work consists of one image, isolated and surrounded in golden leaf. Then the work is displayed in its own beautifully hand-crafted case, a simple drawing becomes a precious artefact. My drawings are less to do with a realistic representation or portrait, than with creating a visual prayer. I allow each image to stand alone, surrounded by the constantly changing light that reflects around it. The images are not what you would typically call holy or iconic, the animals are simplistic, sometimes flawed; the portraits are often dark or haunted. I don't polish them or look for perfection; I leave them in their reflected light. I intend to demonstrate the ordinary to be extraordinary and leave each one as perfect in its imperfection.