Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Inspiring Others

"As an artist, my most significant reward is to know that 
my work has affected even one viewer..."

This is the last sentence from my artist statement and is something I am always striving for. To somehow affect or inspire others through my work... 

"Five Elements"
48"x60" Mixed Media on Wood
© Jennifer J L Jones

Last year I found out that one of my paintings, "Five Elements" helped inspire the design of a $70 million high-rise building in Phoenix, Arizona. Just this morning I received an update about the progress of this project and wanted to share it with all of you... The reward of knowing that my work was recognized is a blessing for me!

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time over the years to let me know how my work has touched your lives...  It means so much to me and I send out my whole hearted thanks for all of your ongoing support!

~Jennifer




Like the mythological bird that rises from its ashes, downtown Phoenix has been reborn.

The tallest residential building in Arizona, 44 Monroe, is one of many signs of the downtown’s rebirth. Located at Monroe and First streets, the 34-story, 196-unit condo tower is expected to be completed by mid-2009.

The building is next to the light rail and within walking distance of downtown businesses and attractions.

Not surprisingly, residents of 44 Monroe have incredible views of downtown Phoenix from inside their units and their balconies. The units also come with travertine tile in the kitchen and foyer areas, granite countertops in kitchens, sound- and fire-rated partitions and Kohler fixtures in bathrooms.

The eighth floor offers several community amenities: a fitness room, business center, conference room, community room with catering kitchen and outdoor grill area and a pool and spa area with restrooms.

A seven-floor parking garage, which has cameras and other security features, provides parking for residents. Additionally, there is metered parking on Monroe Street and parking garages in the area.

Prices go from $483,100 to $4.19 million. Size ranges from 965 to 4,268 square feet. Units come in a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans.

Designed by San Diego-based Tucker Sadler Architects, the building was inspired partly by a painting from artist Jennifer J.L. Jones called “Five Elements.”  The five vertical fins on the facade correspond with the five Chinese elements of nature — earth, wood, water, metal and fire — featured in the painting. The design element is also a theme in the building’s interior.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Seductive Savannah


After my show last week at Fay Gold Gallery, I took a little break from the studio and Atlanta for a summer weekend jaunt to visit an old love... the sweet city of Savannah.  My affair with Savannah began when I was 17 (to check out SCAD) and has haunted me with it's seductive southern charm ever since. Each visit has been a unique adventure (for good or bad- it's all relative!) and I'm never disappointed.  As some of you may or may not know, I've seriously considered moving to Savannah at least half a dozen times over the years. Something always pulls me back... the natural beauty of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, ...


... the 18th century garden squares surrounded by historical homes and stories, the soulful lull of being near the water, the incredible creative people that I always seem to meet at just the right moments and whom enrich my life in different ways... it's quite simply enchanting.

The plan for this latest visit was to meet up with jewelry artist Heather Lindsey Stewart.  I became a fan of Heather's designs about a year ago and have been pining for her jewelry ever since.  Heather is co-owner of Kobo Gallery, located downtown on Barnard Street. My traveling companion, Vene and I had the opportunity to meet a few of the other artists as well while at the gallery and peruse their impressive collections. My affinity to Heather's work and our aesthetic connection made this a most enjoyable experience.   Sharing our artistic backgrounds and the serendipitous ways in which we work and find our inspiration was an invaluable exchange.  We even talked about collaborating at some point! I was giddy choosing a few beautiful pieces for my ever growing handmade jewelry collection and am all too happy to support, boast and brag all about her work! It's gorgeous and truth be told, I'm officially addicted!                                                                                                                                                                       
My new beautiful Rose Cuff created by Heather Lindsey Stewart

Meeting with Heather at Kobo Gallery

Showing off my Rose Cuff before our evening tour

The rest of our time in the siren named Savannah was well spent and since Vene is a writer, I believe she was able to best blog about this and capture our time in a much more poetic way than I could ever hope to... I suppose I could make mention of a few other things that were left out, but in an effort to protect the guilty and the innocent (including yours truly, in no particular order!), it's probably best to just include a few snapshots for now...

With Vene posing in front of Six Pence Pub
(you might recognize this place from the Julia Roberts flick, "Something to Talk About")

Since back I've been working steadfast on my commissioned work and next week I'll be starting a new series of paintings to prepare for my Texas show in October at Artizen. To keep things fresh and inspired, I'll be planning other upcoming getaways.... On the list? St. Augustine to visit my dear friend from SAIC, a side trip to the Ichetucknee, Cumberland Island,  a shot over to Charleston, and a local day trip to a nearby sunflower field. Of course there is another trip to sultry Savannah planned as well, which will include gallery hopping with an art writer and meeting up with friends... and finally checking out places recently recommended by locals... Lulu's chocolate bar, Pinkies, The Rail Pub, and since I won't be able to pass it up again, a stop at Zunzi's!  

I hope you are getting the most out of your summer season... tangy lemonade, sweet summer peaches & watermelon, dripping ice cream cones, cool dips in the pool and ocean, walks on the beaches, sailing, hot hikes up foothills and stone mountains... escaping into a movie theatre to beat the heat... camping ... art shows... fairs... and of course road trips!  If gas is too expensive, try taking a day trip to small towns closer to you that you've never explored before... and enjoy your time...

I'll be posting the next updates soon! 'Til then... 
My love and best wishes,
Jen



Monday, July 21, 2008

Enchantment Series & Fay Gold Opening

July has been a busybusybusy month!  Since returning from my show on Martha's Vineyard, I've been working on commissioned paintings and getting into the groove of summer-time.  Just last week we began shooting the new HD documentary on my work, which is new and exciting.  I'm pleased to announce that the slide show from the recent Belushi Pisano Gallery exhibition is now available for viewing on my website along with the images of my latest painting series, Enchantment.  Two of the paintings from the new series are currently on exhibit at Fay Gold Gallery in Atlanta, and the others are available at the Belushi Pisano Gallery on Martha's Vineyard.


Thanks so much to everyone who came out to the opening of the summer group show at the Fay Gold Gallery last Wednesday evening! Art I Love will be on exhibit through August 31st, so if you missed the reception, be sure to stop by the gallery soon! Below are a few shots from the event... 
(all gallery photos by Clay Asbury unless otherwise noted)

Installation View of Art I Love
(My "Belladonna" is on the far left) 
photo courtesy of Fay Gold Gallery

Viewers checking out the work...


Talking about my painting process & ideas...


A few friends in a "line-up"


Here I am with my wonderful friend, writer Vene Franco

....And....

After the show a group of us celebrated at Eclipse Di Luna



And then of course we had to go wrap up the night with a late night visit to a favorite hang out, The Chocolate Bar



And that's when the photos become increasingly blurry... LOL. It was a joyful celebration!!  Thanks again to all who joined in and who have sent their inquiries, best wishes & amazing support!! 

***

Stay tuned for the next blog post where I'll share news & photos from my most recent adventure to Savannah and my meet-up with my friend, the incredible jewelry artist and designer Heather Lindsey Stewart!




Thursday, July 10, 2008

Art I Love: Fay Gold Gallery Group Show

"Belladonna"
52"x52"
Mixed Media Painting on Wood Panel
© 2008 Jennifer J L Jones


Exhibition continues through August 31st. Hope you can make it out!
(Please contact Fay Gold Gallery for directions and more information.)


Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Martha's Vineyard & BPGallery Exhibition

Moshup Beach, Martha's Vineyard, MA


Since returning from Martha's Vineyard, I've been enjoying our southern summer thunderstorms in Atlanta and time back in the studio. I've also been gearing up for the group show coming up next Wednesday (July 16th) at the Fay Gold Gallery and hope those of you in the Atlanta area will be able to join us for the opening reception from 6-8pm.  Invites will be sent out ASAP ... stay tuned for the next post about this upcoming show...



Honeysuckle Heaven! 
Moshup trail, Martha's Vineyard, MA

As usual, my few days on Martha's Vineyard were just too short, but I was able to celebrate my new series of paintings, "Mizu" at the opening reception on July 3rd,  and enjoy time with my friends, fellow artists, and the Belushi Pisano Gallery & family. 


Moshup Beach, MVY, MA

Here are a few photos/highlights from the show. Thanks so much for all of your support!!  I hope to be back on the island again soon... 


Me with my dear friends,  Jessica Pisano (Gallery Director) 
& Kali Wingood (Gallery Coordinator)



Guests & Installation View of "Mizu" and McDermott Studio Glass Vases


Meeting & Showing with Yukimi Matsumoto was a huge treat!


Yukimi explaining  her art process.


Me with the wonderful Judy Belushi Pisano
FYI: the beautiful necklace I'm sporting is by jewelry artist Ronni Simon



Me, Kali Wingood, Andrea Williams, & Mark Craig

For installation shots & more images from this exhibition, please view my website for a slide show soon!