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Find Art is a publication that is sent across the US to artists with information about "calls for entry", jobs, and other information for artists.
the man that publishes it asked me if i would be the featured artist in his "anatomy of an artist" series.
this is the interview.
it was published today.
very exciting for me!
the publication is sent to over 25, 000.00 nationwide, with a level of subscribers in europe.
here it the interview:
The Anatomy of an Artist
Artist: Jennifer Beinhacker
My art has redefined the classic painting statement. This is a constant source of delight, opening up depth, range and texture. I express myself using materials as a total gestalt, creating images from the turmoil of my mind.
As a self taught artist I find myself struggling with “how to”. Not having formal art training allows me to create, not just through “trial and error”, but without any preconceived notions of “how it must be done”. Using my own techniques affords me the advantage of creating in innovative ways.
Medium/Specialty:
I work in many media: acrylic, watercolor, collage, and pastel. I use objects and materials not just as a tool but often as the end result itself. I am a devotee of found objects and street trash. Found objects, bones, teeth, blood, concrete, glass, as well as other pieces of street trash find homes in my art. There is no object I can resist and bring to my studio, where it waits...a silent muse...for my next art piece.
I work dimensionally, on wood, often box-based.
I begin each piece with no preconception of what will occur. Sometimes I start with a "color" (I feel like working in "red" and "blood" adorns my piece.). Sometimes the piece begins with a particular "found object" or the shape of the wood or size of a box. I never know, from beginning to end, what I will give birth to and am often astounded at what my mind has produced.
I could call my art outsider, visionary, raw, collagist, folk, emerging ……but the word that best defines me and what I do is…….artist.
Inspiration & Influences:
My initial influence was my mother. When I was 10 years old she gave me her old tubes of oil paint and discarded canvases to use. Other influences are: the artists Gregory Gillespie, Renee Stout, Joseph Cornell, Edvard Munch and all outsider/visionary artists.
Noted Experience/Bio:
Jennifer has been exhibiting for the past 20 years. When returning to the United States after living in Europe for 12 years Jennifer began to seriously exhibit her art in shows in the tri-state area. Jennifer now works as a full time artist in her newly renovated studio (her former attic). Jennifer says that this new space has allowed her more room and more freedom to continue creating.
At her first show, after returning from Europe, Jennifer, who had three pieces in the show, was so nervous she threw up in the ladies room. Since then Jennifer has “relaxed” and greatly enjoys each show.
The arc of Jennifer’s work: Jennifer began her career as an oil painter, working on canvas, then she switched to acrylic. While living in Europe Jennifer began working three dimensionally in fruit and vegetable boxes that she got from the farmers market. Jennifer’s assemblages continued after her first camping trip to the American southwest. This was the beginning of her totem series. After traveling to Mexico she began her shrine series. This was further influenced by her travels in South East Asia and Central America. Her most recent trip to West Africa in 2008, started Jennifer in her most recent work with water soluble pastels on cardboard. Jennifer admits to being quite eclectic in her style and different media. She works in many media, often simultaneously.
FA: Pricing ones artwork has always been somewhat of a dilemma for most artists. What method do you use for pricing your artwork?
JB: When I began making art this was not an issue for me as I did not want to sell my art pieces. I felt “if I sell a piece all I will get is money, but I would lose my art”. I was quite attached to my art pieces and also I think, it was a way of avoiding the thought “who would buy my art anyway!”. When I decided that I wanted to take myself seriously as an artist and “put myself out there” in the world for all to see (a risky business) I was not sure how to price my art. Initially, still unsure of my “worth as an artist” I most likely under priced my work. however as I began to sell, I looked at how other artist priced their work and also relied on the judgment of the gallery managers/curators in the venues I was showing. Eventually I got a sense of the “fair market value” for my art and now have no problem deterring what to ask for a particular art piece.
FA: What are some of the difficulties/challenges or mistakes that you have experienced being a fine artist?
JB: There have not been any that I can think of, except perhaps, as stated above, under pricing my art in the beginning stages of selling my art work.
FA: Aside from the quality of your artwork, what do you feel has attributed to your level of success thus far?
JB: Hard work! I try to work every day in my studio, often from dawn to dusk. Also, I try to explore a variety of media. I am always open to trying new and different techniques, media, etc. to stretch myself as an artist. Each art piece I create is unique unto itself. I do not create “mass produced” art, this way I am always challenging myself to see what my mind can produce.
Networking….it is important to maintain contact with other artists, to see what is going on out there in the art world, to talk art/technique/style, to ask questions…I am always learning. And to network with as many art loving patrons, gallery owners, museum folks, curators, etc., as possible. Attend as many art shows as possible, go to museums, read read read what is going on in the art world globally. One way to get world wide exposure is to join various on-line groups, such as flickr. Also having a website is very important, and don’t forget to blog about your art…you are your own best promoter!
And most important for me, I have the love, support and encouragement of my husband and son and daughter-in-law. I also have a 4 1/2 year old granddaughter who tells me “I love your art nana” and who not only enjoys going to all my art shows but also wants me to make art with her.
FA: What advise would you give to artist tying to make a career in fine art?
JB: I am a self taught artist. I do not find it a handicap to me that I have no formal art training, but then it depends on what style of art one creates. For some artists perhaps attending university/art school or at least as many workshops as possible might be helpful.
Also, as mentioned previously, network, get to know other artists. Look at as much art as you can.
Enter as many art shows as possible. You will not get in to all of them, but the exposure is good, the experience enhances learning and…one day…you will get into your first show!
Work at your art all the time. Try different media. Allow yourself to grow as an artist.
Although Jennifer has shown primarily in the tri-state area she will be in her first show in New York in April. You can see Jennifer next at: Pen and Brush Gallery, 16 east 10th street, New York, New York. 2-26 April, 2009.
Flux: 3213 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA. 22204. 18 April, 2009
Artomatic: 55 M Street, SE, Washington, DC. 29 May to 5 July, 2009
Jennifer calls her art “art outside the edge”. Once you view it I know you will agree that this highly talented artist is not just “outside the edge” but also on the “cutting edge” of what is happening in the art scene today. Jennifer’s art can be viewed on her website: www.jenniferbeinhacker.com.
You can read her art blog at: artdc.org/forum/index.php?topic=10054.0
See her interviewed live in her studio: thecreativestream.com/index.php?option=com_content&vi...
See her on flickr.com: www.flickr.com/photos/30462932@N07/
A cool selfie Jennifer and a fabulous bio too!
A gorgeous model and a great interview. Glad your mom gave you those paints.
Congrats on all the acclaim for your work!!
interesting interview, I agree, Art has to come out of the soul, there is no school that can explain how...and nice to meet you, an artist, and a charming and elegant woman !
Excellent article Jennifer, I think the sign of a good artist is when you can say who they are from the artwork they produce and I think that I could tell your work anywhere.
Great self portrait and a very interesting interview, I understand where you are at much better now, Congratulations on a very good interview.
Super star!
Terrific article Jennifer and an excellent self portrait Jennifer. Have a great weekend
Very pretty
