Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenifer Livesey.
Jenifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had an interest in art. As a young kid, I was always interested in colors, patterns and drawn to anything artistic. I used to sketch dress designs and color in my room for hours listening to music and teaching myself how to play music on my violin. After realizing I couldn’t draw realism well in high school, I felt defeated and moved away from art, shifting to a focus on science. I came back to the artistic world in 2008, when I became a photographer. That was also when I fell in love with the mountains.
It wasn’t until after the birth of my daughter, however, that I really came back to art. I began sitting and painting next to her during the day as a bonding experience with her. Once again I found I could not do realism well but instead of becoming discouraged again I began to just paint freely. That’s when I found myself. I began fluid acrylics in late 2019. I love art but I also really love science and I was intrigued by the reactions that happen with the different viscosity of paints. I became interested in inks for somewhat of the same reason. The reactions of the inks with one another and with acrylics intrigues me.
I began creating the cairn (stacked stone) collages came from my love for the mountains and hiking. Cairns are used all over the world but in North America, they are primarily used as trail markers. They guide hikers by marking the beginning and end of trails as well as pointing out curves in a trail or warning of a dangerous area. I ended up landing on the cairns because there are so many meanings behind them all over the world and I really feel like the message connects globally. It comes down to a universal message of guidance, balance and unity. Following your path in life and working together with one another (and mother nature) to create something wonderful.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I am not classically trained. I have no formal art education so at times, I feel insecure about where I am and what I do. I also create something that’s very niche and not always immediately understood, which can be challenging at times as well.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I create cairn, stacked stone, collages. My collages are a symbolic depiction of balance and focus. They are an artistic visual representation of guidance, balance and unity. A reminder to follow our path and stay balanced in our lives to follow your path so to speak.
I paint each rock individually with fluid inks which, at times, can be unpredictable. I love how they can change in seconds to something new, how it keeps me guessing, adjusting to its movement, wondering how the colors will react each time. “Taming” the untamable, so to speak. It’s a bit different than just putting paint on a canvas. I don’t have the control of the medium in the same way which is challenging but freeing. My pieces are almost like multiple paintings in one. Each rock is created individually and must come together to form a cohesive piece.
I am inspired by the shapes and textures both in nature and modern society and my hope is to arouse the viewer to contemplate the importance of a symbiotic relationship between nature and the modern world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel I’ve been blessed in my art career so far. Granted, it’s only been a little over a year but there have been some opportunities presented to me that have helped me gain experience and confidence. I’ve also found some incredible and supportive people that have encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and shoot for the stars.
Pricing:
- Mini pieces $45 (4″ x 4″)
- Mid size pieces $150 (12″ x 12″)
- Large pieces $1,300 (24″ x 36″)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jlartgallery.com
- Phone: 817-965-1291
- Email: jenifer@jlartgallery.com
- Instagram: jlartgallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/JL-Art-Gallery-590856241340429/
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