Her first solo show in L.A., Janna Bock explores the character of temporary human moments. “Mortal Nonsense” is inspired by observed human connections and experiences around Los Angeles. It explores the feeling of being among others, as a part of the scene, and apart from it. As if going in an out of a wildlife show, sometimes the viewer, sometimes the animal. The images seem to be stopped in some past time and individuals are left unspecified, inviting the viewer to step into the scene.

Acrylic on canvas offers the desired freedom to explore these senes. Bits of novel text makes it’s way into some pieces as overheard conversation. A range of restrained to illustrative painting styles are used to convey the nature of the moment, each one savory and unlasting.

Artist Statement

I just love a scene. People doing whatever they do, clips of conversation taken out of context, in a designed environment with all it’s patterns and functions. I find the hum of energy in these spaces attractive.

As an L.A. native, I find plenty of fodder for my work. I have sketchbooks of scenes going back to when I started my early education in drawing and painting from life. That education continued at Cal State Long Beach, where I earned a BFA in Illustration, infusing a sense of whimsy into my art. I continue to explore the effect of environment, color and light of a scene in my animation work as a visual development artist with studios like Warner Bros and Marvel Animation.

I approach my work with curiosity, knowing that there’s more than one right answer. Each painting is it’s own work of life, leading to the next.