INSIDE the ABSTRACT: POST #1
Of Snapshots & Stories that delve into Process with pics, videos, and more...
From the studio of Abstract Sanctuary Artist,
JENNIFER HEEREY...
Artist Interview Questions
What attracted you to the 7th Annual Abstract call?
The work I’ve been doing for the past couple of years falls mainly into the abstract genre.
Does the idea of transformation influence your work and process?
Transformation and evolution of perspective, through the use of visual art, has been core to my latest series, ‘Open Labyrinths’.
What draws you to the medium you chose?
I choose a medium based upon the vision I wish to execute. India ink on gesso allows the line to to stand out, noisy and repetitive, while the white space is supportive and unobtrusive. The concept of thought and silence in meditation is as simple as that.
Tell us a little about your process (I don’t believe in giving it all away).
Ideas come to me throughout the day and night. I write or sketch them onto whatever paper I have at hand. I tend to begin with a few words, a few emotions, fleshing out the idea through multiple series, until I am satisfied.
What are the strengths of the medium? What are the challenges?
India ink on gesso is powerful in it’s simplicity. The striking contrast draws one in, and allows the viewer a lot of room to both rest and actively imagine. With black ink on a white surface, I cannot place a mark without intention. It requires equal parts focus and playfulness.
Do you work in other modes of expression?
I write poetry and short stories, for my own personal pleasure. Many of my ideas come in the form of words, and then I turn them into paintings. I would love to join the two together in a series.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by people who live boldly, by intrinsic motivation. I love people who can think critically and deeply upon the world, yet remain joyful in spirit.
What do you do to get inspired?
I walk, clean, stack wood...anything that gets my body moving and allows my mind time to ruminate. If that fails I read some of my favorite authors, or look at some of my favorite paintings.
If you could have coffee or tea with any artist who would you pick? What would you have coffee or tea? What would you ask that artist? Del Kathryn Barton. I would drink coffee and I would ask her how she balances going so deeply with her work, with raising children (as I must do the same).
What do you hope your work achieves?
I hope that my work successfully conveys the ideas that have come to me. If it inspires others along the way, that would be wonderful too!
How many works do you have to produce before you find a successful image? It depends on the idea.
If you could produce any type of work, would you choose something different? No, I don’t think so. Film interests me greatly, but there is so much I love about the mechanics of drawing and painting.
If you could tell your viewers one thing, what would you tell them? Look at things with your whole eyes and your whole heart. Your understanding of a work of art is just as important as the work itself.
Interested in collecting the work of Jennifer Heerey, please email Verum Ultimum Art Gallery,
fineartvu@gmail.com
for more information