Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Landis.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always been artistic. At a young age, I enjoyed sketching/drawing and developed an interest in both photography and interior design. However, I was also strong in both math and science and was taught by my father to pursue a career in which I could support myself. I earned a degree in both Psychology and Physical Therapy as I am also fascinated by the human brain and body. For ten years, I worked as a physical therapist helping others regain their strength and function, while at the same time battling chronic migraines myself. I stopped working as a PT when my son was born 12 yrs. ago and stayed home to raise my children. After struggling with worsening migraines and chronic myofascial pain, I began to realize that returning to work in the healthcare field was not a viable option for me. Taking care of myself and my family was a full-time job. I began looking for ways to use my experience and eventually created a chronic pain support group which afforded me the ability to integrate myself back into the community in a service capacity on my own terms.
My return to art began when a dear friend of mine invited me to a painting class. Halfway through the class, I realized it was something I could do on my own and began researching acrylic painting techniques. Painting came naturally to me. I was able to easily recreate both brush and palette knife paintings. Although, I had a difficult time creating anything original, including abstracts as my personality craves structure and order. After about four years of painting on and off, I had to give it up as using a brush and palette knife created flares in my myofascial pain and lead to increasing frequency of migraines.
Then one day, I saw a very unique painting and could not decipher the technique used. It was then that I discovered the joy of fluid acrylic art. I spent about 6-8 weeks intensely studying the various techniques used and slowly began experimenting. It was such a freeing experience to finally be able to create original abstract art in a way that did not aggravate my pain! It has given me back a sense of productivity and an immeasurable level of joy as I feel more myself than ever before. Working with fluid acrylics has been both therapeutic and life-changing for me.
Please tell us about your art.
Over time, I was able to develop my own style with fluid acrylics, a more composed abstract style, eventually creating both landscapes and seascapes. I see my abstract artwork as a study in “composed chaos,” as all fluid acrylic art begins with a chaotic blend of colors. However, I strive to coax these colors into a more structured composition. All of my artwork is created with acrylic paint mixed with a pouring medium to create a smooth flowing composition. Occasionally I highlight dried paintings with oil paint using a brush or more acrylic paint using a palette knife to create elements such as clouds or mountains. All paintings are on gallery wrapped canvas with 1.5-inch depth sides, colors and patterns extending to cover the sides so that no framing is necessary. Paint is layered in multiple steps and manipulated by tilting the canvas or guiding various tools through the paint to create patterns or texture. I have also created a line of home decor including decorative pillows which coordinate with my original paintings. In addition to creating my own art, I have also started fluid art tutorials for teens and adults in the Austin area to share the joy of painting and its therapeutic benefits.
My paintings are inspired by land, water, sky, and metallic minerals; nature’s own color palette. I am a nature lover and there is no better inspiration for art than the simple beauty of the world around us. I strive to capture this beauty in abstract form through natural color palettes both neutral and with pops of color. My artwork has a flow that is often describes as “relaxing” or “calming” to the senses. Although at times, I add a bolder element through unexpected color or striking contrast to create a statement piece. My hope is that my artwork conveys a sense of wonder and inspiration to others, and an eagerness to explore the simple beauty in our world.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success as an artist in my mind involves persistence in striving for artistic growth and developing a unique style. I’ve come to view “failures” as opportunities for learning and evolving as an artist. Some of my great successes have come from what I initially perceived as failures. In the end, your intuition will guide you along with the sum of your creative experiences, giving you the confidence you need to present yourself as the unique artist that you are,
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
This year my artwork has been displayed in Exhibits at Art For The People Gallery in downtown Austin, Texas State University in Round Rock, TX, and The Hive Gallery in Bee Cave, TX. Currently, I have work available for viewing and purchase at Adams Galleries of Austin in Lakeway, TX. For a current inventory of available artwork and home decor, as well as more information on local classes, you can visit my website www.composedchaosart.com
If you would like to follow my journey as an artist and see works in progress, please follow me on Instagram @composedchaos_artbyjen
Contact Info:
- Website: www.composedchaosart.com
- Email: jenlandis72@gmail.com
- Instagram: @composedchaos_artbyjen
- Facebook: Composed Chaos Art by Jennifer Landis @fluidartworks
Image Credit:
Jennifer Landis
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