Artist Profile
What better way to launch a blog than to share the recent Artist Profile Q and A from the Driftless Art Collective (DArt Co.) in relation to my current exhibit in Decorah, Iowa.
DArt Co.: Tell us about your studio/workspace: what do you surround yourself with when you work?
JFJ: I am currently using a portion of our dining room as a studio. While it makes using our dining room table for meals a little challenging, painting with the abundance of natural light is wonderful on so many levels. I have plans to move the studio downstairs to our basement in the not too distant future, but I fear I will be forever spoiled by the fantastic light of the dining room. While I work, I enjoy listening to music while my dog Moe rests beneath the easels. So far his coat remains paint free, but it is only a matter of time.
DArt Co.: What motivates you to keep creating new work?
JFJ: My work’s current underwater theme is incredibly compelling and can travel in so many different directions that I cannot even conceive coming up for air anytime soon. Portraying water and the refraction of light on it’s own is multi dimensional, but then you add people and that opens up another myriad of options. I have also considered painting swimming animals, but that’s off on the horizon.
To answer the question, the work creates flow which in turn, inspires more work.
DArt Co.: How does your practice reflect you and your interests?
JFJ: There have always been two constants in my life: water and creative energy. It has taken me many years to evolve to the point where the thought combining the two became apparent.
I am an avid swimmer and in the pool most days of the week. Water keeps me balanced and I am a much better human being as a result of moving through it on a regular basis. Likewise with having a range of creative outlets over the years. While I may not have been actively making “art”, I used my creative energy in many different disciplines ranging from cooking to running a school.
To be able to get wet, interact with swimmers, take photos, and paint as a means to an end is quite simply… marvelous.
DArt Co.: How important is an online presence for artists today?
JFJ: The development of an online presence is a fantastic tool for artists. I reflect back to when I graduated from college with my Studio Art Major and was too fearful to approach galleries on foot with my giant portfolio in hand. It is now so much easier to self market, submit proposals, create a name for oneself and even sell art with the help of today’s digital technology. Speaking of which, my website will be fully functional, complete with blog very soon. www.jenfishjones.com
DArt Co.: What advice would you give to your artist self if you were starting out now?
Artist Profile
What better way to launch a blog than to share the recent Artist Profile Q and A from the Driftless Art Collective (DArt Co.) in relation to my current exhibit in Decorah, Iowa.
DArt Co.: Tell us about your studio/workspace: what do you surround yourself with when you work?
JFJ: I am currently using a portion of our dining room as a studio. While it makes using our dining room table for meals a little challenging, painting with the abundance of natural light is wonderful on so many levels. I have plans to move the studio downstairs to our basement in the not too distant future, but I fear I will be forever spoiled by the fantastic light of the dining room. While I work, I enjoy listening to music while my dog Moe rests beneath the easels. So far his coat remains paint free, but it is only a matter of time.
DArt Co.: What motivates you to keep creating new work?
JFJ: My work’s current underwater theme is incredibly compelling and can travel in so many different directions that I cannot even conceive coming up for air anytime soon. Portraying water and the refraction of light on it’s own is multi dimensional, but then you add people and that opens up another myriad of options. I have also considered painting swimming animals, but that’s off on the horizon.
To answer the question, the work creates flow which in turn, inspires more work.
DArt Co.: How does your practice reflect you and your interests?
JFJ: There have always been two constants in my life: water and creative energy. It has taken me many years to evolve to the point where the thought combining the two became apparent.
I am an avid swimmer and in the pool most days of the week. Water keeps me balanced and I am a much better human being as a result of moving through it on a regular basis. Likewise with having a range of creative outlets over the years. While I may not have been actively making “art”, I used my creative energy in many different disciplines ranging from cooking to running a school.
To be able to get wet, interact with swimmers, take photos, and paint as a means to an end is quite simply… marvelous.
DArt Co.: How important is an online presence for artists today?
JFJ: The development of an online presence is a fantastic tool for artists. I reflect back to when I graduated from college with my Studio Art Major and was too fearful to approach galleries on foot with my giant portfolio in hand. It is now so much easier to self market, submit proposals, create a name for oneself and even sell art with the help of today’s digital technology. Speaking of which, my website will be fully functional, complete with blog very soon. www.jenfishjones.com
DArt Co.: What advice would you give to your artist self if you were starting out now?