News & Updates

I hope those of you viewing my blog have been enjoying the InnerViews series. We've got some pretty exciting interviews underway and lined up for posting later in December, so I hope you will check back often and/or subscribe so you don't miss one!

Time is flying... and I know we all feel it. I was reminded of this not only by the shock of Thanksgiving coming and going in what felt like a quiet 'blip' this year for me, but also was reminded yesterday when I received my first Christmas card of the season! There was also a 'Happy New Year' blessing included and while coming from a dear person in my life, I have to admit the shock of time never escapes! I admittedly am a little behind in that regard this year... something a little unusual for me, but that just means things have been good and busier than usual!

That being said, I've just completed a new commissioned painting for the JW Marriott in Houston,Texas. This painting will be installed and exhibited in the lobby as part of their permanent collection, and just in time for the grande opening.

Commission for JW Marriott, Houston, Texas (Image © 2007 Jennifer J L Jones)

Also, the Phoenix Squaw Peak Hilton has just acquired a selection of giclee prints of my work to install in their Guest Rooms and Casitas. I recently visited several hotels that own my prints and a few original commissioned works and I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a kick out of it and have someone take my picture next to the artwork. It really is a joy to know that my work can be viewed in such busy public spaces. I only hope this continues for the new year. With the help of a new art consultant I am thrilled to be working with now, my artwork is being seriously considered for her client collections located in China as well as London. I hope to post more related new soon!

And speaking of international ideas... I'm off to Portugal soon to reclaim and bring home a selection of my paintings that were on display for over a year and that I have missed dearly. Last time I was in Portugal I was completely blown away by the beauty and culture-- let's hope I still want to come back once I'm over there!

InnerViews: Ann Roth

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Ann Roth

This InnerView features Atlanta-based actor and designer, Ann Roth. Ann creates custom designed shoes for women and was voted best local designer in the SP Sunday Best Reader's 2007 Choice Awards. Her unique shoes are available exclusively through nationally selected boutiques.

Ann Roth

JJLJ: Hello Ann - Welcome to this session of InnerViews!

AR: Thanks so much, Jennifer. I'm honored that you picked me!

JJLJ: How did you become a shoe designer?

AR: Well, shoe design sort of found me. I was in a play several years ago, and my dance shoe came apart. My dance partner gave me some super-strong glue to fix it, and that night I thought it might be cool to also glue buttons and bows to existing shoes in my closet. That led to covering a pair of old leather mules in fabric, and then taking apart a few pairs to see how they were made. Shoe design and learning about shoe construction became an obsession of sorts, so I spent every free moment researching and reading anything I could about it. During these months of experimenting and research, I came across a pair of fabric shoes in a magazine and fell in love. I woke up several days later with a vision of blue toile espadrilles with silver sequins. I went to the fabric store that day, bought some blue toile, and went to work creating what I had envisioned. I wore these shoes everywhere I could, and soon friends and family were asking for their own creations. One of these friends (Sabrina Sexton) suggested I go into business and offered to create my website and take some photos (she is unbelievably talented). I never questioned it- I just knew that was what I was supposed to do, so I went for it. I quickly learned that I needed manufacturing help because my grandma's sewing machine just couldn't do everything I wanted it to. So, after several more months of research and talking to everyone I could, I found a manufacturer and sent them my prototypes. I launched my website in March of '06 and quit my full-time office job that June. It's been an amazing ride ever since.

Brussels, Vintage Safari Collection © Ann Roth Shoes

JJLJ: What continues to be a source of inspiration for your work?

AR: EVERYTHING. My method in shoe design as well as acting is to keep my eyes wide open and try and absorb every experience and sight that I can. Then, when it comes time to do the 'work', I just allow what's inside me to come out and be translated into whatever it is I happen to be working on. It's always surprising to see what happens. But as far as tangible inspirations, I have met so many other designers and artists whose passion and positive energy totally keeps me going. I love reading biographies and trade journals, so I'm also inspired by most any kind of entrepreneur. And of course, I look up to so many shoe designers throughout history: Salvatore Ferragamo, who created his first pair of shoes for his mom when he was twelve because she didn't have any nice shoes to wear to church. That is my favorite and reminds me that humble beginnings often lead to the greatest discoveries and creations.

Spumoni, Spring 2006 Collection © Ann Roth Shoes

JJLJ: Is there anyone who has played a significant role in your career?

AR: Oh my goodness - who hasn't? If it weren't for the wonderful encouragement from family, friends, customers, boutiques, the press --- pretty much anyone who has liked my shoes has helped me get to where I am now. I am so thankful for each and every one of them. But I must give a special shout-out to two people: Sabrina, my friend and web designer/ photographer who not only believed in me from the very beginning, but has also contributed to my success because her pictures and web design are just so darn good. And also my husband Randy who believed in me enough to encourage me to quit my day job last year and pursue shoes full-time. He has been everything from my box painter to my accountant, business partner and coach, and best friend. He's one in a million.

JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

AR: I'm currently partnering with Coleccion Luna on a shoe made of vintage fabric recycled from skirts and clothing in Guatemala. Each pair is unique and slightly different and 20% of all the sales will go to WIN NOW, a non-profit organization that supports charitable causes in Latin American countries. Right now they are teamed up with CARE International to help stop the cycle of poverty in Guatemala City. We're calling the shoe 'Cha-Cha Chica' because it's fun and sassy but with Latin roots that help a great cause.

'Cha-Cha Chica' © Ann Roth Shoes

JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

AR: I hope that I inspire others to pursue their creative dreams in one way or another. Not everyone has to start a business (I wouldn't wish it on just anyone), but I try to encourage folks to find a way to take that art class, learn to belly dance, or travel to India if that's their dream. You only go around once in this life, and I believe we are meant to live each day to the fullest.

JJLJ: What is the strangest or funniest comment or question you've ever gotten about your work?

AR: Hmmm... I guess I haven't had a whole lot strange or funny questions. My favorites though, are the custom design requests that are really personal and unique. Like one lady wanted a shoe with a southwest theme, so I used a serepe fabric and embellished them with leather ties and turquoise beads. When a good friend got certified for scuba diving, I did a pair of 'divers down' shoes with the red and white flag on the toe and little glass fish dangling from the heel. I've done pirate-themed shoes, owl shoes, even a 'rhinestone cowboy' shoe of faux python with a huge feather and a rhinestone buckle on the toe. These one-of-a-kind creations are my favorite and I think it's absolutely endless what can be done.

Provence, A Perfect Day Collection © Ann Roth Shoes

JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

AR: I feel most successful when I have had a productive day, have inspired someone or have been inspired. That and having some money in the bank, some to enjoy, and some to give away - I'd call that success.

JJLJ: Are there any links you would like to share?

AR: Wow - how many can I list? For starters, www.beehiveco-op.com is a store in Atlanta that carries all local designers. Everything from shoes to clothing to lamps, jewelry, belts, home decor - there's even a girl who makes homemade cupcakes everyday and delivers them. It's a pretty neat store and a lot of my fellow designer friends were introduced to me there. Katriesa Raines is a good friend and fantastic clothing designer - she introduced me to the Beehive. Her line is Olive - www.olivestyle.com - and she does the most adorable dresses and jackets I've ever seen. There are a few other designers not at the Beehive I'd like to share: www.coleccionluna.com - she has her bags made in Guatemala from vintage dresses and hand-loomed fabric. She supports several sewing co-ops there and has even started a non-profit called Word In Need Now that supports charitable causes in Latin American countries. There's also www.barijonline.com out of San Francisco - super cute handbags made from patchwork and fabric strips - she adds vintage brooches to every bag so each one is unique. I also just met Lynn of www.lyloudesigns.com. She's in Athens, GA. Fun, user-friendly bags made of cool fabric. I like the slightly bohemian vibe of them since I am a closet hippie myself! Gosh - I seem to be doing all handbags. I guess I like fabric a whole lot! And of course I have to repeat - www.sabrinasexton.com - my fabulous photographer and friend - she is hands down one of the best photographers I've seen and so humble about it.


JJLJ: Thank you, Ann for contributing to InnerViews. We wish you continued success and look forward to following your career (and wearing your designs!)....

AR: Thank you so much! I can't wait to read the future InnerViews! What a great idea.

Several Styles from Fall 2006 Collection © Ann Roth Shoes

For more information on Ann's work, please visit her website.

Hunter Kirkland Contemporary Group Exhibit

For the holidays, Hunter Kirkland Contemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is having a group exhibition featuring a selection of my recent paintings. The opening reception is Friday, November 23, 2007 (the day after Thanksgiving). This exhibit will be on display through January 6, 2008.

My thanks to all of you for your incredible ongoing support! Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe holiday weekend!

InnerViews: Doug Fogelson

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Douglas Reid Fogelson

This InnerView features Chicago-based photographer, Doug Fogelson. Doug is well-known for his architectural and commercial photography as well as his unique personal photography techniques and installations. His work is featured in international exhibitions, galleries, museums and included in national collections. In addition to his photography, Doug is the founder and director of an independent publishing company, Front Forty Press.

Image © Doug Fogelson

JJLJ: Hello Doug - Welcome to this session of InnerViews and thank you for agreeing to participate!

How did you come to work in the medium of photography?

DRF: I started off in photography by taking a class in the first university I attended (Southern Illinois University in Carbondale). Though I was very interested, I still received a ‘D’ grade from the teacher. The following year I took off from college and traveled to England and Australia working on a student visa. I carried my camera to both countries but shot a total of about 4 rolls the whole time traveling. Following that experience I decided to enroll in Columbia College in Chicago and explore my creative side more seriously. It was a toss up between acting (in front of a camera) or photography (behind the camera), as I had no real skills in painting/drawing beyond some crazy cartoons in class notebooks. Photography won and we have been together ever since.

JJLJ: What continues to be a source of inspiration for your work?

DRF: A personal connection/conundrum with man and nature is the inspiration for all of my work. Feeling conflicted about how humans treat nature and each other during the short time alive on Earth informs my work. So does the connection to be found in actual natural spaces without the obvious footprint of humanity as well as the connection found in the idea of such ‘places’ as they exist in my psyche. Living in Chicago I’m faced with a few conflicts just finding the kinds of natural spaces that bring me to a place of native connection with the Earth. The city has parks and forest preserves but it seems like they are all touched by litter or have a highway nearby and airplanes on landing patterns overhead. To get to the most intense nature I have to drive out quite far (or get on an airplane) and I’m finding this increasingly difficult to do. Therefore the nature I enjoy can also be as it exists in my imagination or memory (or document) of such places, even perhaps as I idealize them. The same goes for the human side of the duality.

As a result of years of living in cities I’ve increased the deep longing and love for natural space that became embedded in my psyche as a youth, even as my time physically spent in them diminishes. Couple that with the not so gradual destruction of Earth’s resources on a global scale (the scraping, over fishing and toxification of our oceans/freshwater, the deforestation, sprawl and pollution of our land, and the putrification of our atmosphere via emissions, smog, etc…) and you have a conundrum on your hands. I want to honor and celebrate that which creates the conditions for life on Earth via my photography and this always leads to questioning the choices we make as humans.


JJLJ: Is there anyone who has played a significant role in your career?

DRF: Sure, many people. At the early stages my “aunt” Margie Fogelson (widower of a relative who was not really an uncle but close enough) took me to the museums and gave me coloring books. I sat on the floor of her apartment after visiting the Art Institute and other such places while she and my mom would drink Irish whiskey and smoke cigarettes. Memories of Aunt Margie are like remembering stained glass windows, paintings, and well-crafted woodwork. Connected to her in other formative ways are my mom’s mom who painted in the 60’s (very geometric modern styles) and my mother herself who, though not a visual artist, has a unique sort of creative energy.

Much later (when I enrolled in Columbia) I met an artist named Matthew Schreiber who became my roommate until I graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Matt’s talent and commitment showed me that it was possible to be an artist in a way I never allowed myself to believe before that. One could say he ‘legitimized’ the occupation for me at a time when people are all telling you how to prepare for life as a grown-up, productive member of society. I still have skepticism about full time artists making a living, but I never question the calling and the practice of a true artist since living with Matt Schreiber.

JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

DRF: This year I’ve been trying to get out to natural spaces and photograph them in my overlapping style as much as possible (wish it were more!). I want to round out that section of my work (Biota) before the leaves fall off completely. Biota is not limited to the region where I live so I see this as a reason to get on airplanes and fly to other ecosystems- especially in winter. All of my series are made when the longing for them is peaking and I want to understand more about that category in specific. I spent years working on Ocean (Cush) and Air (Etheria) images in this manner (in-between working my day job and related things). Same goes for when I was strongly in the mode of exploring the built world/human (Intersections) and I continue to shoot each element as is possible on an ongoing basis. Now I’m feeling the strong pull of the ground and of the living non-human systems. When I am out there walking and taking my photos it is about communion with these places and life forms. Back in my studio I spend a lot of time “seeing” the places I walked on the light box and on the screen after the film is scanned. This relates to the psyche again for as I’m so in love with nature so much more of my time is spent with it in virtual way getting cross-eyes on the computer monitor.


JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

DRF: Probably in book form most of all. Gallery and museum shows are great and they are the best way to really see the prints in the proper size, etc… however today I think that the book as a vehicle for communication of visual art is the best method. I should say that this applies only to artists who are not showing in major museums or in major exhibitions be it gallery, public, art fairs or other. The famous artists have books to go with all of their amazing shows already. Regarding my imagery, it looks acceptable online perhaps but that is nowhere near as intense as standing in front of an eight foot wide image. It looks great in person but how many people really get to see it in the month or two it is on the walls of the gallery or museum? In book form it is possible to combine a decent visual experience of the art with supporting materials that enhance the understanding of the art and concepts relative to it. If I want people to value nature more and question our ways of living, sharing in the joy of looking at overlapping images, a book may be a way to reach a larger quantity of people.


JJLJ: What is the strangest or funniest comment or question you've ever gotten about your work?

DRF: Hmmmm. I like it when people say it makes them see stuff that’s not there. Like when they say that photos of waves look like clouds or vice versa.


JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

DRF: Success in art is a double-edged sword. On the one side you have a personal engagement with the work and you alone can tell if it is successful or not, if you have done enough to make it what you think it should be, or if it just does ‘it’ for you. On the other side there are the social and public ideas of success. Showing and selling are great measures of success too. This means your work has value to the marketplace and in the arts this is an incredibly challenging thing to accomplish. I hope for a blend of both. I strive to have my art be accessible to everybody (even if I’m thinking of it with my head in the philosophical clouds). I want it to engage the viewer in a dialog between themselves and the subject matter depicted in the photographs. My goal is for the viewer and myself to think about and feel how they personally relate in space and time to these things (not to me as the photographer). If the work facilitates this then perhaps it is successful.


JJLJ: Are there any links you would like to share?

DRF: Sure. Try these:

Endgame
End Game The Book
Amazing Ribs
WooLoo
Surfline
RiverBank Neighbors
Forest Council
Einstein Online
Explore Pub
Friesian

JJLJ: Thank you, Doug for contributing to Inner Views. We wish you continued success and look forward to following your career.

DRF: THANKS!

For more information on Doug's work and the Front Forty Press, please visit
these links:

Doug Fogelson
Front Forty Press
Front Forty Press Blog
DRF Photography

Jennifer Jones Art Assistant

It's so interesting the way things work out in regards to who we meet, when we meet them and why. I'm still of the belief that timing is everything because just as I was about to postpone my search for an assistant until the new year, yet again, something great happened! Thanks to some aligning stars, some good friends, and a restless paralegal, I'm thrilled to announce that Jeremy has agreed to be my new assistant! I just wanted to take a moment to share the good news and introduce him (albeit virtually) to all of you. With a double major and degree in Art History and International Studies to his credit, Jeremy is also a writer and part of the editorial staff of the Atlanta based deconform publication. To find out more, check out his is blog GHOSTMAP MICROWAVE.

Jennifer Jones, Jeremy Abernathy, and art critic, Jerry Cullum at the Guillotine Post Opening Reception October, 13, 2007. (Photo: Rick Newby)

2008 Exhibition Schedule

2008 is just around the corner and I will soon be busy in the studio preparing for three upcoming Solo Shows. Mark your calendars early so you can plan on catching one or more of these future exhibitions!

•March 14th, 2008 (Stellers Gallery, Neptune Beach, FL, U.S.)
•May 23, 2008 (Hunter Kirkland Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM, U.S.)
•July 3, 2008 (Belushi Pisano Gallery, Martha's Vineyard, MA, U.S.)

Thanks to photographer Rick Newby, I now have a few images to share with you from the October 13th opening reception of my solo show at the Guillotine Post Gallery. To view additional images from this event and other events, please visit my website slide shows page. Thanks again to all of you able to make it out to celebrate and support my work! Looking forward to seeing you at the next event!

InnerViews: Carla Kantola

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Interior Designer Carla Kantola

Our InnerView today is with Interior Designer, Carla Kantola. Carla's Atlanta-based firm (C. Kantola Interiors, Inc.) creates aesthetically pleasing interiors designed specifically for each client's individual lifestyle.

Image: © C.Kantola Interiors

JJLJ: Hello Carla! First of all, let me welcome you to this session of InnerViews. I want to thank you for agreeing to be a part of this new series.

How did you come to work in Interior Design?

CK: I have always had a love for design and an interest in houses. My husband and I renovated six houses and built two so I really think it might be a sickness. Several friends encouraged me to become a “decorator” but I knew I didn’t want to do that until I had the proper education to support it. When we moved to Atlanta approx. 13 years ago I immediately researched colleges that offered accredited interior design programs and decided on the Art Institute. After completing a BFA in Interior Design and working part time for a couple of design firms I was fortunate to land a job at Gandy Peace, a high-end residential firm. Working for the extremely talented Charles Gandy and Bill Peace was an experience that I will always be grateful for. A year after Charles retired I decided that it was time to try it on my own so here I am.

Image: © C.Kantola Interiors

JJLJ: What continues to be a source of inspiration for your work?

CK: So many things inspire me and that’s why I love design so much. It is ever changing. I love observing nature and trying to translate it into a room whether it be a particular color, texture or shape. Traveling is another wonderful inspiration. You never know what will spark an idea. As a matter of fact, I’m still waiting to create a room based on the colors of this beautiful cat my husband and I saw when shopping at a men’s boutique in Savannah. Think of soft taupe walls with elegant white curtains and a splash of aqua blue in a pillow or piece of furniture or art.

Image: © C.Kantola Interiors

JJLJ: Is there anyone who has played a significant role in your career?

CK: Charles Gandy and Bill Peace as I mentioned before have probably played the most important role in my career. Their work is amazing and I learned so much about design and the business side of design while working for them.


JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

CK: Currently I’m working primarily on our own home. We moved back to Atlanta this past December after having lived in Dallas, Texas for two years so I have tried to focus on our house as much as possible. Attached are a few photos of our house. I’ve also given myself permission to take this past year off so I could have a break. As with any job we all need to get away from time to time so we can re-energize ourselves and clear our minds. I think this is crucial to any one who works in a creative field and I feel very fortunate that I have been able to do this.

Image: © C.Kantola Interiors

JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

CK: I hope that I enrich people’s lives by helping them make their home a place where they feel comfortable, tranquility as well as happiness. This sounds hokey but your home should be a place where you can go to escape the day to day craziness.


JJLJ: What is the strangest or funniest comment or question you've ever gotten about your work?

CK: Probably the funniest thing someone has said about my work was when we lived in Dallas and a neighbor knocked on our door unexpectedly to ask a question about our fence. I invited her in and as she looked around she commented “wow, I don’t like contemporary design but your house looks good.” I’m still not sure if she liked it or not!


JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

CK: My idea of personal success is achieving whatever you set your personal goals to be. Don’t set your goals based on someone else’s standards but what you want achieve.

Image: © C.Kantola Interiors

JJLJ: Are there any links you would like to share?

CK: I currently can’t think of any links to list but my website is www.ckantolainteriors.com.


JJLJ: Thank you, Carla for contributing to InnerViews. We wish you continued success and look forward to following your career.

CK: Thanks, Jennifer.

For more information on Carla's designs, please visit her website.

News & Updates

I hope you all enjoyed our first InnerView featuring Netherlands Artist, Brit Hammer. There are many more exciting InnerViews in the works and our next interview will (hopefully) be posted later this weekend. It's been an exciting few weeks that have passed in a flash. Lots of news has come and gone already so I'll try to play a little bit of catch up as I can- in between our upcoming InnerViews in the works and new paintings happening in the studio.

I'm pleased to announce that the Heart to Heart Auction at the Timothy Michael Gallery in Roswell was a great success and exceeded the fundraising goal. It's wonderful to know that children in Cambodia will be getting a state of the art school soon. Thanks to all of you who bid on the work featured at this event and especially to Michael and Jennifer Schwartz- two of my new collectors!

For more information about the Heart to Heart School in Cambodia, please visit their website as well as the American Assistance for Cambodia website.