July 3rd Art Opening at Belushi Pisano Gallery

It's really almost time to fly off to Martha's Vineyard for my show - I can hardly believe it and I'm really getting excited! 

I'll never forget how surprised I was the first time I went to the island. I thought "Martha's Vineyard".... "ooh... the Kennedy's, swanky island people... hope it's not too snooty for me" lol. What a misconception! The Vineyard has a unique charm all its own. Relaxed, fun, absolutely no pretension... and everyone I've ever met there is just there to chill out and enjoy the island and RELAX. Probably why the celebs choose this as their get-away choice.  It's truly a place everyone should visit at some point and time if they haven't already. 

The fact that I am afforded the opportunity to exhibit my work there for the third year and share this with the Belushi Pisano Gallery & family is a huge plus because they are incredible people. How lucky I am! More blessings that I'm ever so thankful for. 

The last few times I flew in on the puddle-jumpers... which are always fun. Reminds me of growing up flying in the small planes with my parents.  I sure miss those days!  This time I'll be taking the ferry to get to the island and my fun friend Charissa will be joining me from Atlanta for the show. What a great adventure this will be!  I can't wait to see my friends on the island (and nearby from Boston!), meet the folks from McDermott Glass Studios, and celebrate Independence Day with them as well! I hope to have a lot of great photos to share when I return as well as good news from a hopefully successful opening to come.

As soon as I return I'll be putting finishing touches on the new paintings I've been working on for my group show coming up at the Fay Gold Gallery scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, July 9th in Atlanta. I'll be sure to get invites e-mailed out to everyone for that showing as soon as possible. For all of my dear friends and patrons who have faithfully been bugging me to have another show in Atlanta so you can actually attend one of my exhibitions... your chance is less than two weeks away! I hope you'll be able to save the date!

Fond thoughts going out to all of you today...
My love and best wishes,
Jennifer








Fay Gold Opening, Kudos, Props, & Shout-Outs

Now that the kitties have been successfully corralled/wrangled-up, and taken to the vet and back home again without incident (meaning no mess to clean up!), I can hang up my rodeo clown suit for the day and get back to blogging and studio art work!  

Adrian & Cameron "workin' it"

First and foremost, I got the "you're gonna live, but check back in a month to be sure" from my surgeon yesterday. (Yay!) So I won't end up like King Tut after all. Phew! 

AND... the update from Fay Gold Gallery is that the summer group show opening reception is scheduled for Wed, July 9th.  That's right around the corner, so mark your calendars!!   I'll have a few brand new paintings ready for this show and I really hope you can all come out for the opening celebration. This will be my first exhibition at Fay Gold Gallery and I'm truly excited about it! Please contact me or the gallery if you have any questions or would like additional information - and don't forget to invite all of your friends! 

Now, as promised in my last post, I wanna give a shout out to some great peeps doing cool things. Kudos are being sent out today to.... 

My dear friend Douglas Fogelson is having an art opening tonight in NYC at the Marlborough Chelsea Gallery from 6-9pm. Congratulations, Doug!! If I could be there tonight, I'd have bells on! For those of you in New York, I hope you'll try to make it out for this summer group show. 

I've also heard rumors that there is an after-party drink thing to follow!!  What fun! 

I would also like to give props to my friend Jennifer Massey.  Jennifer is a professional actress and the 48-Hour film she shot last month was selected for Washington, DC's 2008

"Best of the 48 Hour Film Project" screening. Although they didn't win the festival, their film (entitled " All Roads Lead Away") received a very warm reception from the audience -- it was clearly a crowd favorite.

While you're at it, check out the trailer for "Number One With a Bullet"-- another soon-to-be released short film collaboration between Jennifer and Tohubohu Productions about a desperate author who covers up the death of an arrogant editor in order to get his visionary novel published. His situation escalates when others in the publishing world get closer to discovering the truth.  (I'm personally really looking forward to this one!) 

For those of you who know the singer/song writer/musician, Mosey Walker, you'll be pleased to hear that even though he moved way on out to Portland, Oregon, he's still rockin.  Mosey's in a couple of bands and one of which is currently in the studio being recorded by Everclear's former bass player Craig Montoya. Apparently the climate of the NW suits Mosey and we can't wait to hear all the new melodicas coming out of Mr. Walker soon! p.s. If you haven't heard Mosey's music before, here are a couple of samples for your listening pleasure: http://www.myspace.com/moseywalker      http://www.myspace.com/quietbrothers

One of the great things about getting to know other creatives is finding out just how diverse and talented they all really are! I was afforded the opportunity to read a couple of samples of writings by my friend Vene Franco and am ready to buy her book before it's even out! Her work was recently was published in The Duck & Herring Co. Pocket Field Guide (Warm Weather 2008).  She's also recently been "wooed" over a book idea by a respected publisher and while I'm not at liberty to disclose any more than that, I'll be more than happy to gush about her in further detail in another future blog when I'm privy. Congratulations, Vene!! Oh, and for those of you curious... you can check out her new blog. 

I'd also like to highlight the artwork of two incredible artists yet to be interviewed for a future InnerViews Series Session....  Photographer, Corinne Adams and I finally met in person this past February at our show at Soho Myriad in Atlanta. I instantly fell in love with her and her work and the piece I have acquired for my personal art collection is....  beautiful! 

© Corinne Adams 

The other artist I've been bragging about lately is Savannah-based jewelry maker, Heather Lindsey Stewart. I found out about Heather's work on a fated for fun trip to Savannah.  Her jewelry is incredible-- I hope you'll check it out and I'm giving you fair warning... her pieces are extremely gorgeous and addicting! 

Last, but not least, my special friend out in Santa Fe, Diane McGregor, and her husband, Brad, have once again helped out the Wildlife Center.  They recently helped save and foster baby pigeons and participated in a fundraiser event at Val Kilmer's NM ranch.  Major kudos to you both and also to Mr. Val Kilmer.  In an incredibly self-less act, Val generously donated a portion of his ranch to the Wildlife Center to be used as an annex.  Amazing! Giving can be truly inspiring. 

So thanks to all of you out there doing your special things in life... keeping us all inspired... and making me want to continue contributing as much as I can.  OK, all these props, mentions and kudos makes me want to get right back to work and see what kind of good I can do today. 

Happy summer to all of you reading this ... I hope to hear from you and see you soon!!

Love and best wishes,

Jennifer

How To Lose 6 lbs. in 6 Days for only $1,045.00 !!

I was going to start this post out with a little joke that I thought of when I woke up this morning. I'd like to think I'm funnier than I am, but it's true that I'm usually the only one laughing at my jokes...  so I'll spare you, my dear readers. :-)   The people who "get" my humor tend to be favorites of mine. Even if they pretend to get my humor, they still come out on the top ten on my list of good peeps! So, it is true that humoring and flattering can get us... perhaps not everywhere, but some places. At the tops of some artist's lists like me, anyway. 

I woke up today feeling happier than I have all week. Last night I had a great talk with my Dad while he was on the sailboat with my Mum (technology is awesome- especially when a daughter is seeking parental advice!) and pleased that I finally got to chat with one of my dear friends last night. Even if for a very brief few minutes, it's amazing how much some people can brighten up our days just by hearing their voice. I was talking mostly about my recovering from my oral surgery this past week and how hard it was for me to reach out and ask others to help me out.  I was going to post a link to a video I found on YouTube that showed what I went through, but decided that it was too gross and there isn't anyone reading this blog that would REALLY want to see that, right?  . . . right? .....  Anyway, suffice to say this was a tough thing for me to face (I'm an admitted wimp), but a couple of family members and special friends really stepped up to help me out and kept me mostly brave. Thank you, my sweet-lings. (You know who you are.)  Now that I'm on the mend and definitely feeling better, more like myself...  the bright side of things have come to light from this experience:

• I lost 6 lbs. in six days. (For a mere $1,045.00)  I don't recommend it, but it works! 

• Milk shakes + Pain Meds = Good times (well, until the pain meds make you feel sick)

• I learned that I need to ask for help in a more direct manner or people won't know I need help

• A few days of doctors orders to rest as much as possible really made me RELAX. Wow!

• I had time to reflect on my recent paintings and goals with my quiet, meditation time

• Prayers, emails, phone calls, and Reiki from my family and friends really do work!

• I can only exist for a few days on soup alone

• I'm hilarious to watch on medication (apparently)

• Pets really do help us heal

• Reminder to self: Don't hit on my surgeon right before surgery! 

All in all... providing I get the A-O-K from the surgeon on the 30th, I think my first days of summer are looking pretty sweet.  A month of being sick with a cold, then exhaustion and recovering from surgery has left me wanting to try and make more time to stay in better touch with my family and friends, take time to relax more often, and most certainly look forward to my upcoming show and visit to Martha's Vineyard on July 3rd. 

The Belushi Pisano Gallery just celebrated Friday night with their first group show of the season. The turn out was great and the island is beginning to fill up with visitors. By the time I arrive for my show (I can't wait!!) hopefully there will be a full house for the opening night. There was recently a really nice article written about the gals at the gallery too. Check it out if you can! (This photo below by Ralph Stewart features one of my paintings "Botanical Quilt".)

Belushi Pisano Gallery

(Photo by Ralph Stewart)

My new series of paintings entitled "Mizu" (meaning 'water' in Japanese), has just been completed and will debut at Belushi Pisano Gallery on July 3rd.  The series images will also be posted on my site in its entirety very soon... in the meantime you can view a few of the latest images on the BPGallery site. 

Last night... Artizen Fine Arts in Dallas, Texas hosted an opening reception for a group show including a selection of my recent paintings. The reception was from 6p-9pm.  I hope those of you in the area were able to attend...  If only I could be have been there, I surely would have been celebrating (mostly pain-med-free too)!  

That wraps up this morning's post.  I'm putting a few finishing touches on the other paintings for the "Mizu" series and have plans to relax a bit more this afternoon to make sure I'm right as rain again come July 3rd.

My next post is going to be really exciting because I am planning to send out BIG kudos to some very talented friends of mine that deserve some shout-outs.  Accomplishments such as shows in NYC, book publishing deals, films and television debuts, and volunteer and charity work for causes that make the rest of us look bad! lol 

Stay tuned... and thanks so much for your continued interest and support.

My love and best wishes to all of you!!

~Jennifer

Upcoming Shows, Wordy Updates & News

You know those days where you are so busy and absorbed and distracted by so many happenings and projects that by the time you look up, it's almost midnight? Where did the day go?? I've felt that a lot lately. That was today. Well, at least I got my workout in again... phew! After too many doctor visits surrounding my summer cold and recent exhaustion, I'm determined to maintain my good health & exercise now that I'm feeling well again and have much to accomplish in the studio. (And elsewhere when time permits!) 

Now that I'm reflecting a bit on it, I know exactly how my time was spent today...  Writing a rough draft for an ad (and emailing my brilliant posse for their help and advice) to find and hire a much needed assistant. (Let me know if you know of anyone!! And yes, I am looking for the "perfect" assistant.)  I'm sure I'll post the job description on the blog in the near future. . . (Anyone reading this interested in applying, please contact me through my website to send your resume!) 

Most of my joy from the day came about while I put the finishing touches on a nine-paneled series of paintings called "Mizu" (the Japanese term for 'water'). I can't wait to share these new, beautiful paintings with all of you soon. "Mizu" will debut at my show coming up on July 3rd at the Belushi Pisano Gallery. I also mailed out the invitations to that show today ... 

p.s. For those of you who don't know what a geeky girl I can be... It made me happy putting the postcard stamps on the invites... they are so bright and beautiful! Have you seen them yet? Fruit!! Star fruit, Kiwi, Papaya, Guava, Pomegranate... Seriously. Very cheery stamps! Ha! So, there's something about me most of you would n-e-v-e-r know. I'm a geek when it comes to office supplies, cards, stamps, stickers, labels, etc. No, I'm not a collector, but I am an appreciator. Silly, huh? 

OK, on with this post...

As I was saying... on Thursday, July 3rd, I will be celebrating at Belushi Pisano Gallery opening reception for my exhibition. I will be showing with the McDermott Glass Studio artists, David McDermott and Yukimi Matsumoto. What an honor! The exhibit will run through July 17th. I hope to see you on the Vineyard if you can make it for the 4th of July weekend!! Tis sure to be FUN!

And... coming up next Friday, Belushi Pisano is also having a group show on June 20th with the opening reception from 5p-8p. The show will run through July 2nd. . . 

That same weekend, Artizen Fine Arts in Dallas, Texas will also be featuring my work in a group show beginning on Saturday, June 21st.  I hope if you are in any of these cities listed you will take a moment from the summer heat and cool off in one of these great gallery locations! 

OK. Soooo....  all that being said... lots, lots to keep up on here!  I think I've finally figured out how to add links and allow comments to my blog posts. How 'bout that? I'm a little slow to take the time to post efficiently, but I hope you'll share some comments if you like what's going on with these posts and my work! 

I know many of you were enjoying the InnerViews series sessions and I promise they will begin again... I can't give a date yet, but to help provide a better forum for the interviews, I've created a blog that will be connected to this one, but entirely dedicated to the interviews and will keep you posted on the development.... Thanks for being so patient! 

And thanks a million for your ongoing, incredible support. It touches my heart and never ceases to amaze me that you are all so genuine! I send my gratitude out to you all... and hope this post finds you and yours well.

~Jennifer

Highlights from Santa Fe

Two weeks have passed since my show out in Santa Fe and it's been non-stop since I've been back. What an exciting whirl-wind! With a summer cold to battle and hopefully soon to defeat, the work is still thankfully progressing beautifully in the studio in preparation for my two-person exhibition coming up on July 3rd at the Belushi Pisano Gallery on Martha's Vineyard. These new paintings are just about completed and the exhibition announcements & invitations will be mailed out to you all later this week...

In the meantime and as promised... here are a few highlights I wanted to share from the trip out to New Mexico. (Thanks again so much to all of my dear friends, family and of course my wondrous collectors, clients, fans, and associates - ALL of whom make all of these journeys to my exhibitions wonderful experiences & adventures!)

The "Bloom" series debuted at my solo show at Hunter Kirkland Contemporary on May 23rd...

I was thrilled that the entire show was almost sold out and to know the work was so well received!

 

Here I am in front of "Enchanted Stream" with  good friend & Artist, Diane McGregor.

   

Diane invited me to her studio to view her latest paintings...

   

I had the pleasure of meeting Diane's husband, Brad and visiting their beautiful home in Tesuque. 

Diane and Brad get BIG kudos because of all of their work, dedication and selfless involvement 

with The Wildlife Center organization.  

This is Freckles, the Squirrel... 

And this is my new friend "Flower", the Skunk. 

        

Flower is actually quite famous. Her local pal and fellow Wildlife Center supporter is actor,

Val Kilmer (aka: Doc Holliday! If you haven't seen Val in the movie "Tombstone"... 

...I HIGHLY recommend you rent that DVD immediately!)

      

I was honored by my art collectors with a Sunday brunch at their lovely (no, make that GORGEOUS) 

home where I got to visit several of my "babies" in their collection. 

       

They have fun friends and incredible views! 

                                

        

I was truly honored to be treated with such warmth and regard! 

                            

Definitely a highlight to see the latest installment of the "Bloom Totems II" 

                 

The night before I left Santa Fe, I went to a really cool alternative art space called

  Salon Mr Graff. We had a lovely dinner and I met some wonderful people. 

The artist I happen to be sitting next to is the assistant to the internationally celebrated Artist, Judy Chicago. 

I guess you just never know who you're going to meet! 

Salon Mar Graff, Santa Fe, NM

Hope you enjoyed these selection of highlights... I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Next up... 

my two-person exhibition at Belushi Pisano Gallery, Martha's Vineyard, MA.

"Bloom" Solo Exhibition, Santa Fe, NM

"Bloom" exhibit  

Hunter Kirkland Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM

"Bloom" Opening Reception at Hunter Kirkland Contemporary

Hard to believe an entire week has already passed since Memorial Day!  My holiday weekend was happily spent in Santa Fe, NM for my solo exhibition opening of "Bloom" at Hunter Kirkland Contemporary. 

I love meeting new collectors at my openings!...

I'd like to take this opportunity to send out a  --BIG---  T-H-A-N-K   Y-O-U   to all who helped to make this such a huge success-- near and far!!  With a nearly sold out show I've been "walking on clouds"!! It's thrilling to know that the work is resonating with so many people and I'm pleased to announce that "Bloom" is also now available on my website for viewing and the new installation slide show is coming soon...

....Seeing established collectors again and meeting their friends is a special treat!...

...Reuniting with other artist friends is a wonderful highlight!

Stay tuned for the next blog-post as I share other highlights from my trip! In the meantime...

 I wanted to share the following 'snip-it' from the Santa Fe Reporter: 

Santa Fe Reporter Visual Arts Listings: May 21-27

By Charlotte Jusinski

Published: May 21, 2008

HUNTER KIRKLAND CONTEMPORARY

200-B Canyon Road, 984-2111

It looks like Jennifer JL Jones dips her brush into pure light or pure darkness, choosing with ultimate precision where those shadows and flashes fall in her composition. Her mixed-media creations on wood appear silky to the touch and exude inner peace.

Reception 5-7 pm Friday; through June 9.

Hunter Kirkland Contemporary 

Opening for "Bloom", Santa Fe, NM

Quite possibly my favorite pic of the night.  

This was our "Guard on duty" for the Opening Reception of "Bloom"

Hunter Kirkland Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM