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Spraygraphic Interview with XXOH Artist: Jennifer Ignaszewski
By Spraygraphic | January 31, 2008
On February 1st (First Friday) at First Studio on 631 North First Ave & McKinley in Phoenix at 6pm six artists are having an art show (XXOH) to benefit Free Arts of Arizona. The show is conceived and curated by Andrew James Benson. The six artists are glen allen, casebeer, sentrock, jason rudolph pena, jenny ignaszewski, and josh rhodes. Spraygraphic’s Chuck b. has interviewed the artists and will be sharing these Thought Provoking Interviews throughout the week leading up to the event.
Spraygraphic interview with Jenny Ignaszewski
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
JI: I’m a painter, a wife, a mother, a friend. I work A LOT and love to paint, write, create. I spend mucho time in my studio, and with my family and our dogs. I really enjoy getting outdoors to camp and backpack. I love adventure and tough trails. I’ve just started boxing, and I can’t tell you how much I love it. I love to dance, and that should not go unsaid. This is kind of all over the place, but that’s a reflection of my life.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
JI: I live and work in downtown Phoenix in the Willo historic district. I don’t leave my little burg very much, it’s like a small town in a big city. My studio is located behind our house. We expanded our small guesthouse and made a studio for me to get paint all over. It’s a great space designed by friend and architect Richard Doria.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
JI: Thought, confusion, reality, collage, paint (all kinds), glue, dirt, dog hair.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
JI: I just paint. Really, I put my head down and go. I can’t plan too much. Okay, that’s not entirely true. When I do commissioned portraits, I have to work from a plan. That is, meet subject, take photos, get to know a little. I think it enriches the work I do. I do sketches and try to figure out the basic composition before digging in.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
JI: I don’t really get blocked. I intentionally take breaks from painting… kind of a “gathering time”. I stay away until I’m either forced by deadline, or just feel the need to get in the studio. I work prolifically, I don’t think blockage is a problem yet. It’ll be interesting to see what the others say to this.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
JI: For certain, this show. These painters are inspiring me. All of their work is amazing (can’t think of better word, but that’s not big enough). I don’t know where Andrew has gotten the knack, but he has a way of bringing together an interesting mixture of folk, getting them excited about something and then it just happens.
SG: Can you tell us a little about your involvement with the XXoh show.
JI: I have been the main contact for artists at First Studio for a few years. I got a call from the February artist sometime in late October and he had to cancel. I put out a message to the First Studio owners that we were on a hunt for a February show. Andrew got the message and jumped right on it. The whole thing has been like watching the Tazmanian devil put together an art show, but not just an art show, an event. What’s next?
SG: Can you tell us a little about what people can expect to see at the XXoh show.
JI: Paintings, huge paintings, small paintings, funny paintings, sad paintings, weird paintings. Funky people, couples, collectors, families, hipsters, artists, writers. The music will make you fall in love, so bring someone special. The 4 ‘x 6′ collaborative painting will be on display that night. As well, there will be a video of it before and after each artist had it, showing the progression of the artwork. Oh yes, the limited edition print will be available for purchase if they haven’t sold out yet.
SG: How many pieces will you have in the show?
JI: Toughest question yet. I’m guessing around 10. But depends on what we all bring and what will fit. First Studio is a huge HUGE space, so there should be a lot to look at all over the place!
SG: Do you have any other upcoming projects you would like people to know about?
JI: I’m showing the month of February at The Sweet Pea Bakery, 209 West Jackson, Downtown Phoenix. Same night opening reception as the xxoh show, which is February 1st. (I’ve hired a double.) Also, I’ll be at Willo Home tour signing posters, February 10, 2008. http://willohistoricdistrict.com/ … and making prayer flags that day with artist Ruth Davis at the Community Prayer Flag Installation Project booth. … COME PLAY!
ART: 1) north rim big sky, 2) dreamer, 3) modern cowgirl, 4) pablo neruda, 5) road trip, 6) who am i, 7) jen’s studio
Spraygraphic is one of the sponsors for this event.
Use coupon code XXOH on Spraygraphic.com and save 15% on all Spraygraphic merchandise. Also, Spraygraphic will DONATE 15% of all XXOH sales to the Free Arts of Arizona. Valid 1/26 -2/14.
Topics: Art Events, Artist Interviews, Paintings, Phoenix-events |
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
great paintings! love your style and colors!