My Phantom Limbs 

Martine Johanna’s painting depicts a contemplative woman, conjured with oil on canvas, a traditional pairing. Consider the laborious process of layering paint, each brushstroke building tone, texture, and form. The artist uses this to great effect, lending a subtle luminosity to the skin, and a tangible weight to the subject’s dark hair. The material qualities of oil paint—its viscosity, opacity, and blendability—allow for soft transitions and precise details, highlighting the artist’s skill. Here, we see a revival of classic techniques, yet the composition defies easy categorization, complicating distinctions between fine art and craft. The considered craftsmanship elevates the work beyond mere representation, inviting us to reflect on the artist’s labor and choices. Johanna's work reminds us that all art is, in some ways, a craft practice.