Themes, Media and Process....
Jennifer's handcrafted art draws from a variety of influences, including natural elements,
western myths and contemporary artwork. Jennifer has developed a style through years of hard work and
surrender. Themes range from empowered representational art to relaxed figures, graphic abstract pieces, and powerful
wildlife.
Media is also diverse, but always vibrant. As a technique, paint is part of the content. The elements
from media offer different brush strokes, color and texture.
All painting, no matter how faithful to natural appearances, is an expression of an artist's ideas and feelings.
The term “expressionism” refers to paintings with highly charged emotional content. Abstract Expressionism, characterized
by large canvases and free brushwork, emerged in New York in the 1950's, and has continued to influence every phase of evolutionary
painting.
Expressionism may also be highly representational, maintaining its strong emotional content by means of color,
distortion and subject matter.
Art work is painted on canvas or handmade watercolor Arches (140lb wt) paper with cattle-markers,
which are oil-based paints sticks that ranchers use to mark their livestock. "I enjoy working with the markers because
they allow me to draw with paint. I do not use any paintbrushes, just my hands to manipulate the image". The color is vivid
and dries permanently with rich texture.
"Creating a new painting is a process of setting an intention then letting go of the outcome. I
get inspired ussually when I am on the move. Maaretta Jaukkuri once said very aptly that an artist must have good shoes. Finding
the question is harder than finding the answer."
"I see some of my art as a visual affirmation for my own life. So, I try to give
an energy that reflects a feeling or holds an intention. But, sometimes the work has nothing to do with me, so the trick
is not getting in the way. The goal is a direction, like a vanishing point, a place you can't see. Searching and
seeking are an essential part of art. The process of creating often requires blocks of time to sit and stare at
a painting. Other times the process is fast and furrious. The painting is finnished when it looks like itself."
"The greatest gift art has given me is the consistant feeling of freedom. I am addicted to the
process of creating and relish the play of painting. Giving and taking away, looking for a new line, finding an image
that wants to come forth. Somehow, defending meanings and values that are hard to measure, but are neverless exist and excert
an influence."
"The expression of art gives me is an alternative source of good. I have
a deep feeling of joy and graditude for all the abundance in my life. My sincere thanks to all whom inspire my process and
creativity."
- Jennifer Bardsley