Joan Holdsworth-Uddoh   The oil Painter- inspired by her beliefs depicted with strength in her story, color and faith.   [gallery]  [shows]

I was born in Jamaica, West Indies, brought up in England, by my father, the late Frank Z. Holdsworth. Educated in England and went to boarding school Wesley College, Dublin Ireland. The Radcliff Infirmary in Oxford, England. Gestalt Psychotherapy and Spiritual healing in New York City, New York.

At boarding school in Dublin, we were taught about artists such as Sandro Boticelli, 1445-1510, and Titian 1487-1571. Picasso was not considered an artist. His pink and blue period was questionable! The following incident occurred when I was ten years of age. At boarding school Wordsworth's "Daffodils" was recited to the class by our art teacher. After ending the verse she stated, "We should paint what we had heard." I was overjoyed and I painted my first "masterpiece", with lakes, hills and daffodils! My art teacher on the other hand was not impressed. She marched me off to the Dean's office. The dean after listening to my teacher, agreed that I was a disgrace. I had painted like Picasso. My "masterpiece" was torn and burnt in the fireplace of his study. I was not permitted to study Latin, Greek or the Sciences. He tried to deny me of fulfilling my dream of becoming a doctor when I grew up. Instead, I was demoted to taking domestic science. It was such a terrible burden to put on one so young. It broke my spirit, and left me with a sense of shame and unworthiness.

Later I married a Nigerian surgeon, who after some years of marriage left me with our three children in New York City. Helen, Humphrey and Marcia to return to his country, Biafra, Nigeria. This country was in civil war. I started an organization called "Keep Biafra Alive". During this time over six million men, women and children were killed.

I had the privilege of serving on the United Nations School Committee for the building of the school at Waterside New York. After it's completion, I served on the Board for the school as well as the Hospitality Committee for the United Nations.

While living in New Mexico, I have served on the Board of Directors for the Rape Crises Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When my young daughter, Marcia, was able to draw, I realized that she had artistic talents. At a young age I took the children to museums. Later I told them the story of the boarding school. Every Christmas Marcia gave me art supplies with encouragement that I would paint.

When I moved to New Mexico in 1991 I brought my art supplies with me. Here in the Land of Enchantment the fire rekindled. I started to paint again, and it felt so good. I felt I was going to become a genuine artiste! Then in 1998 religion and spirituality began working their way into my work, and I had a vision to read the Bible, Rev. Chapter 4 ... then paint. I was extremely fearful at first and was not sure of the size. In another dream I was told to paint on 7' X 7', the title, "God is for all People". This was to be the beginning of an amazing spiritually guided, artistic journey, which continues to this day. Some have called it 'angel art', 'spiritual artwork' and I humbly agree.  My art, which I have made available on fine giclee, as limited edition prints, are unique and all divinely inspired. Each piece tells it's own story. They leave one with a message.

Joan

 

Joan Holdsworth-Uddoh

PO Box 627
Magdelena, NM 87825
(505) 854-2837