Today we’d like to introduce you to Janna Sammon.
Janna, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Originally trained in the photographic arts, I could not wait to get my hands into paint. To experience the immediate response between colors and lines on the canvas was something I couldn’t get in the darkroom. Although I have taken my share of detours from the arts, including obtaining a degree in Marine Biology and the raising of 4 children, I never strayed too far away from my desire to create, eventually making painting an integral part of my life.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
The creatures, people, & places in my paintings do not come from any preconceived idea or image. I am forever influenced by children’s artwork as well as the freedom they have as they create and try to bring this freedom in my work. My work incorporates layer upon layer of acrylic paint, pencil, oil pastel, and ink on wood. By constantly turning the image as I go, I let the piece tell me what it needs next & I wait to see who or what emerges. Just as you might find shapes in the clouds, I find images in the colors, lines, & textures of my paintings.
I view my paintings and life similarly. Each day, like each painting, is a unique surprise. We just keep adding layers and making marks. Some days we feel like making big bold strokes with bright colors and other days are all about just making small circles. When we put them all together, each layer informing the next…building upon the last, the lines, colors, and textures respond to each other to create a story.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Success, to me, is in the eye of the beholder and can vary over a lifetime. Continuing to find inspiration in my artwork along with the desire to learn & create is a key factor for me. It’s very easy to get caught up in a standard list put together by someone else of what it means to be a successful artist.
I would say that being able to listen to oneself and act according to what works best for you is most important. Doing otherwise can create stress and second-guessing, neither of which is beneficial to the making of your art.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
For originals, jannasammon.com is definitely the best place to go or on Instagram @jannasammon.
For high-quality reproductions of many of my pieces, I’m represented online by a local company, Skyline Art Editions.
I participate in various shows throughout the year.
All of this info is on my website along with a full list and links of where to find me.
& I am always happy to open my studio for visits.
Contact Info:
- Website: jannasammon.com
- Email: janna@jannasammon.com
- Instagram: @jannasammon
- Facebook: facebook.com/jannasammonart/
Image Credit:
Janna & Olivia Sammon
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