I believe that art is a pure of communication, it comes from a place of non judgment. A creation that not only come through the spoken word but through a visual and emotional connection that transcends us to another place.
The key to finding the quietness that moves me is through writing. It is a way for me to clear my mind, free my thoughts and let the words spill across the paper. I never stop or reread. I just let my mind drift, my hand flow and I start to feel and see the paintings.
I would describe my work as mixed media. The paints are oils, the canvas is glass and the pieces are a mixture of natural elements; such as leaves and sand along with my photography and painting. I will often use my writing in the pieces, sometimes legible and sometimes just a simple, beautiful line that dances across the painting.
I feel inspired when I am outside and connected to the earth, and because of this connection, I have chosen to work directly on the glass. I love the idea that it is not just a work surface but an organic material, a translucent surface that changes with light, allowing it to become as much a part of the piece as the image itself.
I have been in the arts all my life. Surrounded by a family full of creativity, my childhood began as a dancer in NYC. Growing up, I found myself exploring the art world and letting it become an outlet to express myself.
My training began in NYC studying at The Arts Students League and National Art Academy. I then continued to the University of North Carolina School for the Arts and Lorenzo De' Medici in Florence Italy.
I received my BFA at the Art Institute of Chicago.
I now reside in a small town on the pacific coast of Mexico where I have opened my studio and gallery called “JaLu”.
Janine Kelleher