Friday, March 20, 2009
Uncategorized Speakeasy with Jennifer JL Jones
Posted by Jeremy Abernathy on Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Jennifer Jones' paintings combine a poetic, almost sensual grace with consistently bold execution. Through multiple layers of abstraction — in traditional oils mixed with materials such as wax, metal, asphalt, textured paper, and recently, leaves and dried fruit — each work becomes a "rich organic patina." Several of Jones' paintings are currently featured in FOUR ARTISTS TO WATCH, on view at Fay Gold Gallery through March 28. (This will be final exhibition at the gallery's Miami Circle location. Although Fay Gold will close her physical gallery, she will continue to represent artists privately.) Recently, Jones received official word that the Atlanta Botanical Garden will commission three of her paintings for its permanent art collection in a new wing opening up next month.
Who is this person, and why are they dancing in front of your painting!?
That's Julia, one of my youngest art collectors. She also happens to be my goddaughter. I believe she is was dancing because she's so excited to see my newest paintings featured at the opening on Feb. 13 at Fay Gold Gallery.
What do you strive for in your work, and what do you admire in works by other painters, abstract or figurative?
I believe intent and execution are key in the creative process — the distinction between a strong abstract painting from a poor one becomes obvious in how well people connect and/or relate to the painting. I strive for connection in all my works. I want to communicate through my works with viewers without saying a word ... to visually move them to feel emotion or open up their imaginations ... it's very personal and I tend to admire a sense of emotion in other artists' works as well … When artists get too wrapped up in the concept, sometimes the result is poor craftsmanship and, unfortunately, that can completely take away from the painting or work of art.
How do critiques and your educational background inform your process?
The critiques [at] the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will always inform my work … I was able to absorb history, theory, philosophy, techniques, and ultimately come up with my own style over the years. Because my process of painting is so intuitive and [because I don’t] create images that are too literal … I tend to take away/remove anything that doesn't give a flow or cohesion to the final piece. There is an innate sense of knowing when a piece is completed, and if there is something that throws off the balance for me in a painting I will remove it or cover it up with something else. Some of my works have many thin layers of imagery underneath a final coat of solid paint that [viewers] might never see ... all part of the fun for me!
How have you grown in Atlanta, and how has the city grown on you?
I've grown in many ways here ... professionally, creatively, socially, spiritually ... I'm a traveler at heart, so it was hard for me to want to live in one place for very long, but I found the longer I lived in Atlanta, the more it began to feel like home - I've lived in six different neighborhoods here! Once the exhibition opportunities began to open up, the more I was able to connect with others. I think taking time to explore the different neighborhoods and gain an understanding of how the city is trying to grow — in a cultural way — has helped keep me curious ... I've lived in large cities before, and they can be unforgiving. But Atlanta has always been a place of warm, open arms for me.
What do you think are some of the best hangouts around town?
The Chocolate Bar in downtown Decatur: I've met incredible people there over the past year — best friends, new clients, love interests — and generally that's where I've gone to celebrate special birthdays and gathered friends after art openings. Atlanta Botanical Garden: It's in the heart of the city, and when I'm there, I feel like I've escaped into another world for a brief moment. The orchid house is my favorite, and I'm looking forward to the new wing opening up. They also have live music events and Cocktails in the Garden nights which are fun! Stone Mountain: I try to go as often as possible to feel “back to nature” … I find a lot of inspiration for my work there ... whether hiking around on the trails or up the mountain, or just sitting on a rock next to one of the lakes to meditate ... it's extremely peaceful and provides a local sanctuary.
How do you feel about being represented by Fay Gold? Do you think you're an ARTIST TO WATCH?
I feel proud to have my work exhibited and represented at Fay Gold. Fay's reputation is excellent and to have been chosen to work with her is an honor. We have a great relationship, and because she understands my work, I love that I was chosen as one of FOUR ARTISTS TO WATCH. I believe I have a lot to offer through my artwork, so I would say yes, I do feel that I'm an artist to watch. People are connecting with the paintings in a way that is extremely inspiring for me as an artist. I feel that that title of the show says a lot about all of the artists chosen as well ... that we are each being recognized for our passion and how we are able to excite and interest others through a visual dialogue.
(Photo courtesy the artist and JenniferJonesArt.com)
Comments (1)
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Dear Director.. just guide me how to i can join your art event as a painter, i have no any fee for your membership because i am not a rich artist by my pocket but my art sound is very rich you can feel it after visit my art work. so please support me and guide me.. regards yogendra kumar purohit M.F.A. BIKANER,INDIA www.ionone.com www.yogendra-art.page.tl
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