Provincetown: Dune Washes III 2001

Editor: Joel Janowitz's watercolor, "Provincetown: Dune Washes III," captures a hazy landscape. The washes of color are so delicate. What can you tell me about the process of creating such a work? Curator: The materiality of watercolor is key here. Its fluidity lends itself to capturing the ephemeral nature of light on the dunes. Consider the economic accessibility of watercolor, a medium often associated with amateur practice and the democratization of art making. Editor: Democratization? Curator: Yes, watercolor materials are relatively inexpensive and portable, making art creation accessible to a broader population outside traditional academic settings. Think of the social context that makes painting accessible. Editor: That’s really interesting. I hadn’t considered how the materials themselves shape access to artmaking. Curator: Exactly. By understanding the process, material, and its place in society, we can enrich our experience of the artwork. Editor: Thanks! I'll remember to look at the materials first.