San Diego CityBeat
By Kinsee Morlan
March 15, 2006

"Painting preoccupation"
Slovenian artist Joze Ciuha says his relationship with painting started as a slight interest, eventually turned into a hobby and ultimately became an obsession. As the lines in his face grow deeper and deeper-the man is on the far side of 80 years old-Ciuha doesn't seem any less obsessive. Making it a point to paint almost every single day, Ciuha borrows from a decades-old tradition of glass painting, modernizing the technique a bit by switching to Plexiglass. He begins by painting the smallest details first and then works his way out-the last layer of paint to coat the Plexiglass is the background. Ciuha's work will be on display at Galeria Jan, 1250 Prospect St. in La Jolla, through May 18. An opening reception with the artist will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18. 858-551-2053. (www.galeriajan.com)