I think that the ability to draw resides within each one of us. Our “talent” only depends on how much we’ve exercised our ability.

I have been practicing drawing for the entirety of my life and I find the physical act of drawing very soothing. I also really enjoy being able to draw what comes into in my mind and convey worlds and ideas that exist nowhere else.

There are so many things photography allows me to do. I can capture experiences to share with others, I can slow down and really look at the world around me. It has the same calming effect that drawing does but also helps me feel more connected to the space I’m in or the subject I’m with.

I am also fascinated by the science behind photography. That the basis of photography is capturing light. It amazes me every time I think of it – that humans have harnessed the ability to capture light and re-present the world around us to share with each other.

This site features the work of Jocelyn Staskus. An artist who works mainly in drawing and photographic media, she studied on the East coast while attending the Maryland Institute College of Art. Jocelyn currently lives in the Cleveland, Ohio area and is busy developing several series of works. Progress of  her work is updated to the site as often as possible. Feedback and comments are always welcome and you can reach the artist directly by email at purgearts@gmail.com

Shows and Accomplishments

2012

“RAW Cleveland: Menagerie”. Group Show. RAW Natural Born Artists 2012 Cleveland, OH.

2011

“Breeze” Group show and silent auction. Art Cares 2011 Cleveland, OH.

2009

“It’s All Cleveland”. Solo Show. Grumpy’s Café; Tremont, OH.

2008

“Mini Your Work ‘08”. Group Show. Utrecht Art Supplies; Coventry, OH.

“Mambo Muerto”. Group Show, Silent Auction. SPACES Galley; Cleveland, OH.

“Bad Apple Show”. Group Show. Pop Shop Gallery; Lakewood OH.

"15x15," Group Show. Main Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

“3rd Anniversary Show,” Group Show. Pop Shop Gallery; Lakewood, OH.

“Stains,” Solo Show. Phoenix Coffee; Lakewood, OH.

"ArtMart," Group Show. SPACES Gallery; Cleveland, OH.

2007
"15x15," Group Show. Main Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

2005
"The Seven-Hundred Sixty-Thousand Dollar Show," Group Show. Maryland Art Place at the Power Plant Live; Baltimore, MD

2004
"Emerging Artists," Group Show. Maryland Federation of Art; Baltimore, MD

"Senior Work," Group Show. Woodward Gallery; Baltimore, MD

"Experimentation," Solo Show. Meyerhoff House Gallery; Baltimore, MD

"Alternative Processes," Group Show. Woodward Gallery; Baltimore, MD

2003
"Girl Trouble," Solo Show. Woodward Gallery; Baltimore, MD

"Beat It, Kick It, Kapow!," Group Show. Fox Main Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

"Photo Department Show," Group Show. Main Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

2002
"Spring Foundation Show," Group Show. Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

"Fall Foundation Show," Group Show. Maryland Institute College of Art

1999
"Pre-College Show," Group Show. Main Gallery, Maryland Institute College of Art; Baltimore, MD

1997-2000
Numerous Awards from the juried Governors Show in Cleveland, OH

1997
Placement in the Regional Scholastics Juried Show at the Cleveland Institute College of Art; Cleveland, OH

Education

2001-2005

Maryland Institute College of Art. Majored in Photography. Studied drawing, painting, ceramics and digital art. Graduated cum laude.