Meet Joanna Cutri | Artist and Dog Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Cutri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, why did you pursue a creative career?
NOT being a professional artist was ever an option. I have been doing this for so long that I can’t imagine not doing it. I’m in it for the long haul. I took art classes when I was a child but it wasn’t until I attended LACHSA and studied art in Italy with the University of Georgia that I became really focused. I really started to understood this aspect of myself- I HAD to create. I could create anything and this thing I did was mine and it came from me. It always felt like making art was just something I did, until it became apparent that that’s just who I was. I wanted a life of ideas, of extreme curiosity and exploration. I felt absolute freedom, I could do and create whatever I wanted, all the time. So this idea that I was born an artist, this artistic career chose me and I could do what I wanted was so fulfilling and satisfying.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For my art career, the pandemic was one of the best things that ever happened. The best years ever in terms of production, sales, pivoting how I approach the business, collaborating with other artists, and re-connecting with other artists. I love the work that I’ve created in the last 2 years. I just stopped and asked myself what kind of work do I want to be creating? And what I wanted was very different from what I had been doing. When I did an inventory of my older work, it just felt chaotic and complicated and a bit intense, very similar to the pulse of the planet at the time. And I just wanted something different, way more quiet, subtle and peaceful. Simple is never easy. Plus it was time for a change. While the world imploded, I painted a ton. I painted what I wanted and needed. The response was interesting too. People either absolutely loved it and were super intrigued by this series of white paintings or people were still holding on to the work that I did in the past.
The pandemic taught me that regardless of physical proximity and time between two people, we are connected, we share each other’s spirit and energy and it is possible to tap into the other person’s creative energy no matter where you are.How is it possible to create a body of work that is seamless and congruent as if they belong together, as if they were whispering to each other and connected by some invisible karmic string? How does that happen?
Aurelia Rocher, a French ceramic sculptor, and I decided to have a joint show this past summer in the South of France. For 6 months we worked across the world from each other. The big reveal was when we unpacked all the paintings in France and were about to install the show. We both created a body of work, both 21 pieces each, that fit perfectly together, sharing the same energy and were visually congruent. All this work was not planned, forced or premeditated. Quite the opposite. We never spoke about our work, just the theme and our feelings for the show. A visual manifestation of connection in mind, spirit and philosophy of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love N. County San Diego. There is a very special energy and spirit here that I have not felt anywhere else. Life is simple, cruisey and even the dogs are always smiling. My ideal and perfect week end would start by walking Torrey Pines early in the morning which is stunning. Then I would head to Wayfarer bakery in Bird Rock for the best croissant and coffee. I also love going to the SRF meditation gardens which always seems to make my dreams come true. Then it would be on to lunch for some fish tacos at City Tacos to take to the beach. My favorite beaches are the ones you have to walk down a huge flight of stairs to get there; the anticipation and view to get down always makes me happy and I love taking it all in step by step. Grandview in Leucadia, Swami’s in Encinitas and in Tide Beach in Solana Beach. My favorite restaurant is Dija Mara in Oceanside which serves really delicious Asian fusion/Indonesian food. On Sundays I love going to the Leucadia Farmer’s Market. Its always a great mix of cool, local people and great food plus I love supporting the local farmers. N County also has the best holistic practitioners to choose from for some feel good, self care. Indigo Dragon is my go-to for acupuncture, reiki and chiropractic care. I also love checking out whatever is going on at ICA North in Encinitas. They always have really interesting art exhibitions and events plus they make it accessible to everyone which is huge. Seeing a show at the BellyUp in Solana Beach is always great since its a tiny venue and really good bands come thru there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first discovered N County San Diego (Encinitas especially) when I came out to deal with some health issues while I was living in New York City. My medical team at UCSD, Dr. William Parker, and Jacobs Medical Center were exceptional in their care and went above and beyond for me. I would not be living my life fully without them. Moving to Encinitas was such a huge part in my healing process; all the amazing people, holistic practitioners and gentle energy here paved the way. I am forever grateful that I get to call this place home, I love living here.

Website: joannacutri.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannacutriart/