Discovering: Jamie Johnson on William S. Dutterer

William S. Dutterer: Joe Diver takes viewers behind the scenes of the fascinating world of artist William S. Dutterer through the lens of Jamie Johnson, the artist’s former partner. Hosted by Jamie, the program offers a deeply personal look at how managing Dutterer’s legacy has shaped her journey and understanding of the artist’s work, especially his pivotal 1980s series, Joe Diver.

Dutterer’s series of five paintings, Joe Diver, was created in the mid-1980s. The paintings explore the adventures of Joe Diver, the artist’s alter ego, as he navigates the depths of the ocean. Through Joe Diver, Dutterer uses the diver’s exploration of the unknown as a metaphor for his search for meaning, identity, and self-expression. The underwater odyssey of Joe Diver serves as both an exploration of the vast, mysterious ocean and a symbolic journey into the depths of the human mind.

This program invites viewers to learn about Dutterer’s creative process and the personal reflections that fueled the Joe Diver series. As Jamie Johnson shares her insights, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the connection between Dutterer’s art and his introspective journey. In one of his writings from 1981, Dutterer reflected on his work: “Here’s Looking at You—Diver’s helmet as eye—Air line—umbilical cord—The water—isn’t that where we came from?… ‘Looking’ is hard enough, whether inward or outward, and ‘seeing’ is almost impossible.” These words encapsulate the program’s central theme: art as a tool for self-exploration and reflection.

William S. Dutterer: Joe Diver challenges viewers to consider their own internal journeys, inviting them to “see deeper” and confront the unknown aspects of themselves. Just as Joe Diver bravely explores the ocean’s depths, the program encourages audiences to dive into their creative processes and consider how art can illuminate the path to self-discovery.