I Love NY!

I'm taking a quick break from moving into my new art studio so I can catch everyone up on my news & tidbits... and do a little more sharing... as promised. 

View from Park Avenue Hyatt at Grand Central Station

Earlier this month I had the great fortune to spend three incredible days in NYC.  I know it comes as a huge shock to almost everyone, but besides a half day trip for a meeting years ago, this was pretty much my first time in New York.  I know! I know! An artist who hasn't been to NYC!? It seems preposterous. Believe me, I've had quite a few tongue lashings about it. My artwork is all over New York... but I've been waiting for the right time to get there myself... and thankfully that opportunity finally arrived...

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

I'm happy to say that it was perfect. And exhilarating. NOW I know why everyone falls in love with New York. I am now its newest, biggest fan and can't wait to go back again!

View from the Rainbow Room

From the moment I arrived, the energy and pace of the city immediately lifted my spirits. The friendly nature of those I was meeting and the ease of getting around the city certainly helped too.  

Empire State Building

I wasted no time exploring the neighborhoods, feasting at delicious restaurants, shopping, stopping by a few galleries, and wandering through Central Park...

Central Park

....watching the marathon, and of course hitting the museums and a few tourist spots. 

Guggenheim Museum

MOMA

My days filled quickly. The highlight by far was attending a live taping of SNL (thank you soooooo very much, Judy!!), which was hosted by Ben Affleck and a guest appearance was made by Senator John McCain just before the elections.  AND they actually let me in to the SNL after party as well. What a blast!!! It was truly the most fun I've had in well... a long, long time!  

Rockefeller Center

SNL

After party pic with Fred Armisen

I also had the pleasure of meeting and being photographed by Cameron Krone... an incredible artist whose work I'm a huge fan of and I've blogged-bragged about before. . . 

Photo shoot with Cameron Krone

All in all a huge success... and I can't wait to go back later in December with friends and again for the future book release party.  It probably wouldn't take much convincing to get me to move to New York at some point... we'll see how things go!

I'll post more news soon about some VERY exciting events & other things to note .... just as soon as I finish moving into the new studio! 

Sweet Chicago

 

Chicago Sky

           

Book Release party at Sonotheque

(sorry... the club was VERY dark & mysterious...)

Not a minute was wasted during my short time in Chicago to attend the successful book release party for 'Signs of the Apocalypse/Rapture'at Sonotheque Thursday night.  The club was sleek, sexy, modern and full of guests enjoying the live performances, DJ sets & visuals from the book flashing on the video screens 'til the wee morning hours. Meeting new people, signing the book, and visiting and sharing countless libations with my dear Chi-town friends again was more than enough to make the short, but sweet trip completely worth it. I'd like to extend my thanks to the folks at Front Forty Press for all of their hard work... I'm honored to be a part of this collective endeavor and look forward to seeing you at the future book release parties/happenings coming up in NYC & L.A... as well as the related exhibition scheduled at the Hyde Park Art Center in July, 2009! 

Thanks so much to all of you who were able to come out to help us celebrate... and to those of you who have ordered your copy of this incredible book online... thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

View from W Hotel of Navy Pier/Lake Michigan

Book Release Party in Chicago

This Thursday night I'll be in Chicago at Sonotheque to help Front Forty Press and friends celebrate the release of  'Signs of the Apocalypse/Rapture'!  I can't wait to see my dear Chi-town pals again and hope those of you in the area can come out and join us for this stirring night of entertainment and socializing!!  (If you'd like to purchase a copy of the book online, please follow this link.) On behalf of Front Forty and the other artists involved, thank you all so much for your incredible support!

Book Release Party for Signs of the Apocalypse/Rapture

November 20th, 2008/9PM-2AM

Sonotheque/1444 W Chicago Ave.

$5 (free before 10PM)/21+

With live performances by:  Mykel Boyd & Zelienople

DJ set by: David Castillo

Fun & Success at PINKer!

Friday night Soho Myriad hosted PINKer, the 2nd annual art sale, silent auction, and cocktail party benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  I had a wonderful time with all of you who were able to attend and would like to extend my thanks for your support of such a worthy cause!  (Especially to my new collectors who bid on and purchased "By Moonlight"!  Thank you!!) 

My new collectors with"By Moonlight" (triptych)

Adoration from one of my biggest fans! 

Just a sliver of the great turn out of 600! 

Jen & Foreman

Wrapping up the sales

As is tradition... the after party celebration with pals at Chocolate Bar in Decatur

Fay Gold Gallery Opening

I was proud to have part of the "Mizu" series as well as a selection of paintings from the "Enchantment" series included in the most recent exhibition at the Fay Gold Gallery opening on Wednesday night.  

Thanks so much to those of you able to come out and show your support! I encourage anyone who didn't have the opportunity to see this show to stop by the gallery before the January 2nd.  (Milo Lockett's prolific body of work, Rhythms of Argentina fills the gallery and is one show not to be missed!!) 

Looking forward to seeing you at the PINKer show tonight at Soho Myriad!

My sincere thanks and warmest wishes!!

~Jennifer

To Twitter or Not to Twitter

I thought this video was great. Things are so busy and moving so quickly for me that I've had a hard time keeping everyone up to date with all the wonderful news via blogging/posting. I've been encouraged by a few friends to give "Twitter" a try... so, I may see if it's "all that" or just one more distraction from the studio. Hmm....

Perhaps I'll just make more of an effort to map out my time/schedule better. So, in the next few days & following week, I'll be posting news & images from the Fay Gold Gallery opening last night, my exciting trip to NYC, my most recent artist trades, announcements of new collections, updates on my "Hungry Ghost" series/recent paintings, my new art studio, the link to purchase your copy of the newly published and released 'Signs of the Apocalypse / Rapture' book (along with the invite to the release party I'll be attending in Chicago next week), and the updates for the Soho Myriad PINKer show tomorrow night! Stay tuned for all this and oh so much more!! 

Thank you all so very much for your amazing continued support!! 

Review of "Signs of the Apocalypse / Rapture"

Newcity review of "Signs of the Apocalypse / Rapture"

Read the review by Jason Foumberg of Newcity Art below:

You can tell that we’re comfortable with the end of times when the subject gets its own coffee-table book. Front Forty Press has curated, designed and published a hardcover tome featuring artwork from over sixty artists and including two music CDs. The book is divided into the destruction of the world—Apocalypse—and the ethereal bliss that comes after—Rapture. Doomsday is depicted in horror vacui illustrations where debris swells into suffocating masses in work by Andrew Schoultz, Todd Arsenault, Mark Chariker and Joe Vaux, and dystopic landscapes pictured by Jean-Pierre Roy, David Opdyke, Lora Fosberg and Suzy Poling. Rapture, on the other hand, is characterized by Julie Mehretu’s ambient colorscapes, Bill Viola’s weightless dreams, and Doug & Mike Starn’s patchwork vision of Buddha. The Apocalypse CD contains tracks of sustained ambient noise, whereas Rapture is, by comparison, a harmonic savior.

The first essay in the book, by artist Christopher Bucklow, explains the apocalypse as a religious event, but it’s telling that in his introduction, the book’s publisher Doug Fogelson writes, “With the future ever upon us we are at a shameful state of affairs. There are so many real concerns facing humanity right now”—yet the exact date of “right now” is never given. The end of times is a fear adaptable to any time in human history; it is, in essence, timeless. Fogelson is hopeful, though. By getting acquainted with the “signs” of the end, he says, we’ll be able to tune in to the problems, and possibly the solutions.

Still, the broad array of artwork collected in the book is a feast for the eyes. I asked Fogelson if there’s anything odd about enjoying the look of such dark subject matter. “There’s a lot of beauty in the chaos,” he replied. With co-curator Ryanne Baynham, Fogelson created the collector’s edition for the end of times. Sonotheque will host a release party for the book on November 20, and a related exhibition is scheduled at the Hyde Park Art Center in July, 2009. $65 from Front Forty Press.

Published October 27 on http://art.newcity.com/2008/10/27/eye-exam-the-darkside/

PINKer

Friday, November 14th, Soho Myriad will host PINKer. An art sale, silent auction, and cocktail party to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.  I have donated "By Moonlight" (triptych) for this event and look forward to seeing you there!! 

Signs of the Apocalypse/Rapture

I’m pleased to announce that Front Forty Press has finally received the book Signs of the Apocalypse/Rapture back from the printer in China! This tome is almost 300 pages long, with over sixty world class artists (including me! Yay!), it contains two full-length audio CD’s, and a ton of written matter that will blow you away. Creating this book has been a full time effort for the collaborating team at Front Forty Press and the results are well worth their time & effort. I am honored to have been invited to have one of my works included among such stellar company! 

Check it out here: www.front40press.com for more information & to purchase your copy of this numbered edition!! Thank you so much for all of your incredible support!! 

"Rapture II"

48"x48"

Mixed Media Painting on Wood

© Jennifer J L Jones

Delicious Autumn

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~ George Eliot

And so it is here... once again... my very favorite season for inspiration... and to celebrate, here is another sneak peek at one of the latest paintings completed from the "Hungry Ghost" series.

"Come to Light"

48"x48"

Mixed Media Painting on Wood

©2008 Jennifer J L Jones

2008 Strut Silent Auction

The 2008 Strut Silent Auction fundraiser  is this Saturday, September 20th from 1pm-6pm.  In it's 11th year, the East Atlanta Strut is a community organized, one-day festival, featuring music, art and events to raise money for neighborhood charities and organizations and support local businesses. I've donated "Serendipity #21" to benefit Sopo Bicycle Cooperative, a nonprofit bicycle repair workshop. (Sopo's mission is to create equitable access to bicycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance services and education.)  If you're local, I hope to see you at the strut!!

"Serendipity 21"

Mixed Media Painting On Wood Panel

15"x15"

© Jennifer J L Jones

Fay Gold Show & new "Susurro" Paintings

Last Wednesday the Fay Gold Gallery held an opening reception for Zach Smith to showcase his Dark and Light series- an exhibition of light box paintings. If you haven't seen this body of work illuminating the gallery in person, I encourage you to go check it out! The exhibition continues through Saturday, October 4th. 

Also on display and as part of a group exhibition were four of my latest paintings from my new "Hungry Ghost" series.  Here is a snapshot... 

Image: "Susurro I, II, III, IV"

Mixed Media Paintings on wood panels (24"x12" each)

© 2008 Jennifer J L Jones

Heading back into the studio now... and looking forward to sharing the rest of my new paintings with you soon!

BUY ART

OK... it's official. I'm an art nerrrd. :-) And here is my new prestige plate to prove it!

....BUY ART....

((This photo has been removed to protect privacy))

Please continue to support the arts & help put more beauty out in to the world!!

Thanks!

Local Inspiration

Yesterday I woke up and decided to drive up to the North Georgia mountains. It was beautiful.

Fresh air, sunshine, an amazing view, hiking through the woods, a soothing creek and inspiring waterfall... it was just what I needed.

Upon returning to Atlanta, I immediately went in to the studio to complete the second painting in my new Hungry Ghost series. This new piece will be displayed at the Fay Gold Gallery show this Wednesday evening, September 10th. I hope to see you there! (The opening reception is from 6 to 8pm). 

Summer Epiphanies & Discombobulation

The summer has been .... interesting; a plethora of inspiration in many forms. I feel as though I've experienced every high and low under the sun in terms of emotions and things that have come and gone in and out of my life. I could write a lot and get into so much in this post with that as my opening topic, but for now I just say that it's all fodder and I'm glad fall is on its way. (My favorite season; especially for creating.) 

My most recent series entitled "Hungry Ghost" is well under way and posted here is a sneak peek at the first painting completed.  This series has been influenced by personal epiphanies I've experienced over the past few months. 

"Autumn Lagoon" is already on exhibition at Hunter Kirkland Contemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

"Autumn Lagoon" (totems)

6 @ 40"x5"

Mixed Media Painting on Wood Panels

© 2008 Jennifer J L Jones

His favorite paintings were blue...

Photo: Frank D'Ascenzo with his wife, Barbara

Today I post tribute to honor the memory of my dear friend, collector, and mentor, Frank D'Ascenzo.  While Frank's passing last week has me filled with great sorrow, it has also brought about an amazing sense of gratitude.  

"Source"

12"x12" Mixed Media Painting on Wood

© Jennifer J L Jones

In the collection of Frank & Barbara D'Ascenzo

I will forever feel blessed to have known Frank... As a friend he provided an incredible amount of encouragement, and when needed, a trusted shoulder to lean on.  As a mentor he offered his marketing skills and invaluable advice, which created an international presence for my artwork on the internet... and in so many ways his overall support and guidance played an integral role in my art career. As one of my best art collectors, his endless excitement over each new series of paintings was always a shared joy. 

"Left of Blue"

40"x40" Mixed Media Painting on Wood

© Jennifer J L Jones

In the collection of Frank &Barbara D'Ascenzo

What a rare gift indeed it is to find people in our lives who can become so many things to us; to play such important roles. 

I am forever grateful to you, Frank. Your strength, kindness, time, humor, generosity, and grace will be with me always. You are missed...

In Memory of "Serendipity #28"

"Serendipity #28"

15"x15" 

Mixed Media Painting on Wood

© Jennifer J L Jones

I always tease that my paintings are my "children".  From conception to birth... I love each and every one of them. But, eventually I have to let go of them; it becomes necessary to kick them out of the studio so they can "be free" and go out into the world and find their way to the galleries and into collections. Of course I'm incredibly protective and always hoping for the best. Ideally they find someone that adores them and decidedly can't live without them. It makes my heart happy when I know the paintings are being enjoyed in a safe environment and it's pure joy to know that my work has reached collections worldwide. But until they get to those locations... there is the dreaded matter of shipping! 

I can't be sure what exactly happens when a shipment of paintings heads out into the world of transit... I cross my fingers that the artwork is packaged properly, insured, and that it will reach its final destination in perfect condition. Sadly, this isn't always the case. I've definitely had my luck in numbers... but the other day I found out that my dear little "Serendipity #28" didn't reach the gallery without suffering a terrible tragedy.  I suppose the guy driving the forklift that pierced the shipment and created a decent size hole through the wooden panel didn't notice the 'FRAGILE' stickers all over the box. Sigh.... Poor little painting! Luckily my work is always professionally packaged and insured, so once the "inspection" is completed and the insurance claim goes through, I can add UPS to my list of collectors. (I should note here though that I've been shipping through UPS nearly every week for years and I think I've only had three damaged pieces total, so the overall % has actually been in my favor.)

ANYWAY, the point of this post is to send out a gentle reminder and encourage everyone to ALWAYS effectively package your artwork - (no matter what size, shape, value, etc.) - to the best of your ability.  And please, please, please be sure to insure your precious creations. 

  

Inspiring Photographer

OK, so... I've been painting, reading, singing, and soaking up what feels like a cascade of inspiration while working on new paintings-- the inspiration is literally coming in and at me from all directions-- from everywhere! (Such an incredible experience when we're open to it!)  Because of this inspiration, I have some great news and posts coming up.....

but for now... what I found so inspiring today... was stumbling upon the photography of Cameron Krone.  Can I just say: God bless "Google Alerts"?  

I should probably confess that I can be quite a snob when it comes to artwork I find personally appealing. Rarely do I immediately "click" with an artist's work. Sometimes I'll like one or two pieces... but their entire body of work or style? Hmm.... I like to joke that it's because of my fine training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. They taught us well... and those of us that survived critiques and didn't run out crying can critique the hell out of anything. Even a box of kleenex if we wanted to. I have my BFA degree to prove it! :-)  Anyway... suffice to say, I'm picky. Which makes finding art and artists that I become an instant fan of... a big deal for me. 

So, back to today.... occasionally I receive news via Google re: what my galleries are up to...  Today, an 'alert' mentioned Fay Gold and a photographer from NY who did a photo shoot at her home here in Atlanta... my curiosity was piqued.  And that is how I found out about Cameron's wonderful work. 

Before I knew it I was sending him a note to compliment his work.  And to my wonderful delight, he took the time to view my work as well and we're now in negotiations for an artist trade! I'm THRILLED (to put it mildly!) -Those of you following my blog or who know me personally, know how much I adore trades!- My hope is to trade a painting(s) that will warrant a personal photo shoot with him this November while I'm visiting NYC.... and hopefully by posting my excitement in the blog I'm not jinxing anything! 

Anyway, just wanted to introduce his fine photography to those of you who might not be familiar with or haven't seen his work before. 

To my new friend.... I say, "Bravo, Mr. Krone!!"  

P.S. I hope you don't mind me blog-bragging-- and yes, the song posted by Spoon, "I turn my camera on" is meant to be funny. 

Anniversary

This post is dedicated to my incredible parents.  

This weekend, they are celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary!!

And I, their youngest of five, celebrate their love, passion, sense of adventure, commitment, strength, wisdom, guidance, compassion, and amazing support. 

For without them, I wouldn't be here to follow my dream as an artist and put as much beauty out into the world as I possibly can. 

I can only hope that one day I will find the kind of true love that they have known throughout their marriage. They are quite simply remarkable. My parents are my pillars.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!! 

May you have another 45 years of love, happiness, and adventure together!

"Two Worlds"

"Two Worlds" installed & in good company with my favorite Buddha Head

It felt like Christmas yesterday when UPS showed up to deliver my most recent art acquisition! I now have "Two Worlds" (created by my dear friend, Jessica Pisano) in my personal art collection.   This piece is from Jessica's latest series & featured in her solo exhibit this month at the Belushi Pisano Gallery on Martha's Vineyard. Her work is capturing the eyes of many and Cape Cod Life Magazine just did an artist profile on her in their latest Art Issue talking about this new series! I'm so glad I snagged "Two Worlds"  before anyone else could... it's already hanging up in my living room and love it! This one is truly is a lil' beauty! .... Thanks, Jessica!

"Two Worlds" 

6" x 6"

Mixed Media on Wood Panel: B&W Photograph, Acrylic, & Pencil

© 2008 Jessica Pisano

www.jessicapisano.com

Art + Artisans Representation

I'm pleased to announce that Art + Artisans Consulting, Inc. is now representing my work in Austin and Houston, Texas. Art + Artisans is a full service art consulting firm assisting clients with art acquisition and collection management. I've just shipped out a selection of my Serendipity paintings for their inventory and looking forward to announcing future placement of these pieces in new collections. Stay tuned!!

October Exhibition Cancelled

Installation View at Artizen Fine Arts, Dallas, TX

With regret, I announce that my three person exhibition scheduled for October at Artizen Fine Arts Gallery in Dallas, Texas has been cancelled. My apologies to those of you who were making arrangements and planning to attend the opening reception; I'm sorry I won't have the opportunity to share my paintings at this gallery with you in person, but will be sure to keep you posted on other upcoming events & exhibitions featuring my work.

Thank you so much for your continued support!!

Fragile! Handle With Care...

August 1st?? I can hardly believe it,  but the heat is a clear indication that it is indeed... the middle of summer. 

Today I'm not only working on commissioned paintings, but also trying my best to repair two paintings that were sadly damaged. The studio heats up pretty quickly when I'm busy... and today is one of those especially melty summer dog days. While the heat has me mostly thinking about Otter Pops.... (mmm.... Otter Pops....)...

...the artwork has me thinking a little more about the fragile nature of all things. 

 And so ... I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips on caring for your artwork. 

There are so many great books and of course detailed information at your fingertips with the internet, but for now here are a few quick guidelines and gentle reminders...  (I found an almost overwhelming amount of information when I looked, but felt that a great art blog I stumbled upon really summed it up in a short, clever, fun way, so I'm re-posting here with a link back and would like to thank the Art Addict.)

Now go get your ice cream/popsicle fix and don't forget to take good care of your precious works of art! :-)

~Jen

DISPLAYING ART

Never hang or place artwork in direct sunlight. The sun is death to art. Photographs and drawings are particularly susceptible to fading. If you want to be extra protective of your artwork, rotate it as often as possible allowing for some time in dark spaces or storage.

Do not hang artwork in or near sources of heat or humidity, i.e., bathrooms, heaters, etc. No matter how well you think something is framed or protected, humidity will surely warp and damage most surfaces.

Do not leave artwork outside (unless it is designed for outdoor viewing). Basements and garages are not recommended places to store artwork because of exposure to inclement weather, humidity, and dampness.

Do not throw, dropkick, dribble, juggle, finger-spin, break-dance upon, or otherwise disrespect your artwork. Treat it like art (and I say your heart!) and you'll enjoy a long and fulfilling life together.

CLEANING ART

If you are collecting paintings, photographs, framed drawings, and most sculpture made from a hard material - bronze, plastic, etc. - there are some basic rules to follow when cleaning your art. If the artwork is made out of something odd - chocolate, urine, blood, primordial ooze, etc. - make sure to contact the gallery from which you purchased it to learn about how to clean the work.

Avoid letting dust accumulate on artwork. When dusting your artwork, use a can of compressed air, or a very soft, non-abrasive, lint free cloth. Paper towels are a no-no because they can leave tiny scratches.

Use a plastic cleaner, not commercial glass cleaner, on Plexiglas. (Art Addict recommends Novus Plastic Clean & Shine). Apply the plastic cleaner with a soft non-abrasive cloth. NOTE: Spray the cleaning solution on the cloth, never directly onto glass or Plexiglas.

Keep artwork away from dogs, flying fish, cats, flying cats, ponies, potbellied pigs, ferrets, llamas, constricting snakes, lemurs, monkeys (flying or otherwise), and pretty much any and all animals exhibiting claws, feathers, hooves, fangs, bottomless curiosity, and/or opposable thumbs.

HANDLING ART

When handling artwork, always try to use white art-handling cotton gloves. Never touch the surface of an unframed artwork without gloves; even clean hands leave a corrosive residue. To purchase art-handling gloves check your local art supply stores or click here.

Avoid damage to fragile edges and corners of artwork by padding the work during installation or hanging. Always use padding -- a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam -- when resting artwork on hard surfaces.

Never handle, move, or hang large works of art alone; you can easily damage the art. Or yourself. Art Addict's foot broke the fall of a large photograph she was hanging alone once. She broke a toe. The art was spared.

When packing and storing artwork, always use stable, pH-neutral, archival materials. If you are unsure what that means, contact your local art store or framer and they will show you materials that fit these requirements. One favorite tip for the handling of art is that the bubbles in the bubble wrap should always be on the outside.