Inspiring Images, Koi Fish Video & Sensai Series "Sneak Peek"

With my Sensai Series nearing completion and just about ready to be professionally photographed... twenty of my new paintings will soon ship to Stellers Gallery for my solo show opening on March 14th & the invitations should be on their way soon...

Many of you have been checking in with excitement ... asking about the progress and so patiently waiting to see the newest work and I wanted to thank you for your support and shared enthusiasm. (It's especially appreciated!) I thought I'd give a tiny "sneak peek" here on the blog of a few of the new pieces....

"Tanpopo I, II, & III"
3 paintings, 40"x40" each
Mixed Media on Baltic Birch Wood Panels
© 2008 Jennifer J L Jones

And just for added fun, I'm also including a video & a few snapshots I've taken recently to share some of the things that have caught my eye and/or provided inspiration as I've worked on this latest series of work. Hope you enjoy....

Thanks again so much for your continued support and I look forward to sharing my latest images with you on my website soon!!

Koi Fish Pond (St. Augustine, FL)
© Jennifer J L Jones

If you can't view this video here, please visit this .mac link:

http://gallery.mac.com/jenniferjonesart#100000

or this YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dUpCHbKYnk

Koi Pond Reflection, St. Augustine, FL
Image © Jennifer J L Jones

Silhouette, St. Augustine, FL
Image © Jennifer J L Jones

Sky I, Atlanta, GA
Image © Jennifer J L Jones

Sky II, Atlanta, GA
Image © Jennifer J L Jones

InnerViews: Justin Baldwin

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Justin Baldwin

This InnerView features Netherlands-based painter, Justin Baldwin. Justin's paintings are currently exhibited in Scotland and the Netherlands. His work can be found in both private and public collections in the UK, USA, China, and Holland.

Justin in his studio

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

JB: Thanks for the invitation!

"Orchid"
40 x 40 cm
© Justin Baldwin

JJLJ: How did you come to work in the medium of painting?

JB: I experimented a lot with various media and dabbled in oils, but really acrylic paint is the media I am most comfortable with. I work very quickly when I paint and the way acrylic paint acts suits my way of working very well.

"See How They Grow"
60 x 60 cm
© Justin Baldwin

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

JB: Many things inspire me, probably too many but the number one slot still goes to Nature as it is so diverse. It isn’t always about being immersed in a large landscape either. Often the smallest of things can inspire me: a wild flower growing on waste ground; blue tits eating seeds in a tree; a clear, starry night sky; the way a breeze will ripple the water in the nearby canal.

"Banished"
© Justin Baldwin

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

JB: Yes, one of my art tutors at college, the Scottish artist Terry McCrossan encouraged me to work in a more abstract format, loosening up the way in which I depicted what I saw around me, being less literal in the way I interpreted what I was painting.

"Adams Toil B"
© Justin Baldwin

JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

JB: I am currently working on a creation series, which attempts to convey through abstract paintings the emotional energy which comes through when reading the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Generally the Creation story has been told and re-told by artists in a very conventional way and I wanted to interpret it in the abstract, going beyond the surface and the literal visual description and instead focusing in more on the emotional and spiritual.

Justin in his studio

JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

JB: If you are talking about other artists, I’d like to think it would make them realize hope is as strong an emotion as despair. There is too much emphasis on the negative with a lot of art work, in my opinion. An artist may focus on strong emotions but these are often negative, whereas hope and love are equally strong but are generally positive. Positive art doesn’t need to be naive art, it can still portray great depth.
In regards to the wider viewer I’m not trying to give them a form of escapism, it is still very real, but I think the viewer is fully aware of the state of the world, they don’t need reminded of the terrible things that go on in the world, or of their own personal sufferings and sorrows. I would like to remind them that hope still exists (the sun still rises….) or we might as well all go and pack our bags.

"Eden"
© Justin Baldwin

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

JB: Some people claim to see all sorts of shapes and forms within my paintings. Once a woman claimed to see an elephant within my painting!

JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

JB: Whenever someone chooses to buy a piece of work from me it makes me feel ‘successful’. I have created a piece of art work which someone deems good enough to part with money for! So having sold, I already feel I have some success. A great ambition though would be if one day a piece of my work was to be bought and placed in a national collection.

"Morning Glory"
90 x 90 cm
© Justin Baldwin

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

JB: Saatchi Online site is a great international web site: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/

"Eve Blushed"
© Justin Baldwin

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

JB: Thanks it was a pleasure.

For more information on Justin's work, please visit his website: http://www.justinbaldwinartist.com

Group Exhibit at Artizen Fine Arts

I'm pleased to announce that this Saturday night (February 16th, 6-9 p.m.) is the opening reception at Artizen Fine Arts in Dallas for my next group exhibit, "Layer Upon Layer". This show is my first at Artizen and will feature a selection of my work along with artwork by Mary Farmer, and Stefany Hemming. The show runs February 16th through March 22nd. If you are in the Dallas area, please come out to this opening night celebration! Thanks so much for your support!!

Valentine & "Love Letter"

In celebration of Valentines Day, I'd like to share one of my personal favorites... created by BRNR Art. I don't think you'll find this image on any Hallmark Card out there though, unfortunately.

Image: "Devil Jenny"
© BRNR Art

My most recent art acquisition arrived yesterday via FedEx! The painting "Love Letter" by Diane McGregor captured my heart when I saw it during our recent InnerView about her work. How could I resist this little gem? And just in time for Valentines Day.... Thanks, Diane!!

"Love Letter"
8"x8"
Oil on Canvas
© 2007 Diane McGregor
www.dianemcgregor.com

InnerViews: Lynn Louise Larson

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Lynn Louise Larson

This InnerView features Athens, Georgia-based textile designer, Lynn Louise Larson ("Lylou"). Lynn designs hand crafted bags created from top-quality vintage and new upholstery fabrics. As a designer, her keen eye for innovative color combinations, unique patterns, and exquisite texture demonstrate her passion for beauty. Her designs have been featured in magazines such as Lucky, Athena, Georgia, and Deep and are carried throughout boutiques throughout the U.S. and Ottawa Ontario. She earned her BFA from the University of Northern Colorado in 1990.



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

LLL: Hello, I am so happy to be part of your InnerViews. I started reading your blog a few months ago when you featured Ann Roth and have been very inspired by your interviews since then.

Lylou on the cover of Georgia Magazine

JJLJ: How did you come to work in textiles and designing Lylou bags?

LLL: I grew up at the foot of my mother's sewing machine. She would create the most amazing outfits and customs for me all throughout my schooling. Unfortunately, when I left home for university so did her sewing for me and I had to start fending for myself. –grin. That was when I started deconstructing clothing and began experimenting on my own. The University of Northern Colorado's Art School was the perfect environment to encourage me to push limits on creativity.


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

LLL: Much like most artists I find inspiration all around me. I am continually amazed and inspired by the people around me. I am particularly inspired by my mother's beautiful birdhouses and Bibbi's delightful ceramic flowers. I am going through a big 'floral' and 'birds' phase at the moment. I am also inspired by Jillian's photography and her ability to always create the most amazing photos of my bags for publications and my website.

Other then people and their art, I am inspired by aromas, flavors, sounds, textures, and colors. I can't get enough of the things around me and at times I feel as if I am acting like a child with a new toy, but I can't help but be excited every morning I open my eyes to the world around me.

Image: Deep Purple © Lylou Designs

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

LLL: There are a few people that have been strong holds and influences in me 'going for it.' Of course there is my mother, then my friend Jonathan in NYC that was/is continually telling me I can 'do it' and when I am feeling overwhelmed gives me great advise and helps me organize my thoughts. My friend Brian has been a very intricate part of my success and always there with reassuring words and a kind heart. To be honest, there are so many friends that have been here for me that it would take hours to name them all.

JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

LLL: At this time I am working on two new designs for women's clutches. One of the clutches will retail for around $50 and be perfect for everyday use and a second one that will be more exotic and perfect for those 'special occasions, such as weddings, galas, or even a garden party. They are going to be very organic in form and influence by the flora in my garden. I hope to launch them by the end of February, just in time for spring.

I am also working on opening a high end house wares boutique in Athens. I have been tossing around the retail thing with a girlfriend for the past few months and we have decided to try our hand at our own shop. It is going to be a long road to completion, but fingers crossed we can get it up and running by next fall.

Image: Deep Green © Lylou Designs

JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

LLL: I am not sure if my 'work' has influenced others, but I think I have been very influential to others through my encouraging and positive attitude. I am a very 'driven' person and try to keep 'can't' out of my vocabulary. I am big at setting goals and finding ways to achieve them. It is a lot of hard work, but if there is a will there is a way. I try to always be available to lend assistance and network with others to help out others. It has not be me alone that has gotten where I am today and I am more then happy to include others in my good fortune.


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

LLL: I guess the strangest requests I had was to fix a woman's Kate Spade handbag, b/c she didn't want to spend the money on purchasing a new Kate Spade bag. Funny? Not really.

Image: Grove © Lylou Designs

JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

LLL: My idea of personal success is having a happy home, filled with smiles and laughter and love…oh, and wine. -grin Living financially comfortable and working a career that I love. Having the time and ability to create on many different levels and share this interest with others around me.

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

LLL: Yes there are:
My Website
Bibbi
Jeff
Jillian
Jasey
Camilla
Ann Roth
Will
DeAnn
My Blog


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

LLL: You are more then welcome and I look forward to reading your next interview.

For more information on Lylou's designs, please visit her website: www.lyloudesign.com

Art Papers Auction

One of my stops on Saturday night in Atlanta was at Mason Murer for the Art Papers art auction. Another big success for AP -- special thanks again to all of you who bid online, were working the absentee bidding option, and those able to come out to show your support in person. This benefits a fantastic organization each year and supports hundreds of artists! To ensure you don't miss the next one, visit their website and subscribe/sign up for the Art Papers magazine & mailing list.

Here are a few snapshots from the event...

Nice crowd at Mason Murer...

Meeting new people...

and other artists.... (yes, artists are people too!)

My date's favorite piece in the show (second to mine, of course!)

I wondered if this could have gotten the highest bid. It was mesmerizing. Especially to those of us not really crazy about MEAT.

Jennifer & Jeremy probably discussing art or that big piece of meat!

J. and J. with "Serendipity 10" & "Serendipity 22"

InnerViews: Andrea Williams

InnerViews: A Creative Interview with Andrea Williams

This InnerView features Weymouth-based jewelry designer, Andrea Williams. Andrea's nature-inspired designs include the use of precious metals in conjunction with seemingly ordinary organic materials. She studied jewelry and metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design and her work can be found throughout the U.S. including selected galleries in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Massachusetts.

Image: Andrea Williams in her studio

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

AW: Thanks for having me. I'm honored you thought of me.


JJLJ: How did you come to work in jewelry and metalsmithing?

AW: When I was in High School in Maine I took a beginning jewelry class and was hooked. The idea that I could transform a hard piece of metal into something delicate using only fire and my own strength gave a focus to my already active interest in the visual arts. It satisfied my need to build something with my hands. The head of the Art Department / Jewelry Instructor at Gould Academy saw the spark in me and took me under his wing. Senior year he arranged for me to pursue an independent study and was instrumental in my applying to RISD.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

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

AW: Some people are people watchers. They sit in the crowd and study the details of the passers by. I sit on the beach or in the woods and study the details and patterns in the rocks, bark, and fallen leaves. The way the rocks were laid on the beach as the tide receded on near my mother's home were the catalyst for the Sa series of stone jewelry. I try to stay open to inspiration from any source. Our son Cosmus always sees with fresh eyes and is a constant source of ideas. He commented to me while walking our dog one evening, "Mommy, the moon is following me." That became the basis for a children's book I'm illustrating. In fact, sometimes I work on my visions before really thinking them through. While sitting in my living room, I realized I couldn't see the pond. Within 2 hours, the wall was bashed down to the studs. I met my husband at the door with a glass of wine and this disclaimer... 'I've done something, but keep an open mind, its gonna be great.'

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

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

AW: Jim Owen at Gould was instrumental in my taking the first steps. My husband not only does my web design and photography but also serves as my harshest and best critic as well as my muse.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

JJLJ: What are you currently working on?

AW: My next series is a conceptual study in the zen of bird flocks, using birds as a surrogate for the spiritual beings within us. I'm particularly fascinated with the 'break away birds'- the ones that for some unseen reason choose to pull away from the masses. I am working on small silver and gold repousse´ panels of flocking birds. I am also using depletion guilding and patination to give dimension and depth.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

JJLJ: How do you see your work influencing others?

AW: I hope that my work is an avenue for people to see the simple beauty that nature affords us. The birds nest we pass and never see, the wind making patterns in a field, the breakaway birds in a flock, the laugh lines on your lover's face when they smile, the multitude of polished stones we pass on the beach - too easily we miss the breathtaking beauty of these moments. My choice of materials make it impossible to use these works as status pieces. They are inherently designed to keep the wearer grounded.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

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

AW: I keep a bowl of rocks as part of my display at a shows- one person asked if it was candy, another asked if the rocks were real. The funny thing about the bowl of rocks is it becomes a study of human nature. Some people instinctually reach out to touch the rocks -often unaware that they are even caressing them, others feel the need to ask permission.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

JJLJ: What is your idea of personal success?

AW: My idea of personal success is to live on the water with the man that I love, and a child that we love, designing jewelry that inspires me and having people respond to it. Early in my career I worried too much about what the market wanted and finding a niche. It nearly broke my spirit and I took some time off to follow one of my other passions as a chef. The work I do now is a reflection of my confidence and focus. I have to connect with the work or I will not pursue it.


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

AW: My husband's site is markcraig.com. -worth having a look at for his balanced rocks alone.

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams

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

AW: Thanks Jenny! I hope to see you at your show on Martha's Vineyard this summer.


For more information on Andrea's work, please visit her website: http://www.boundearth.com/

Jewelry Design © Andrea Williams