Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ferris.
Jennifer, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am fortunate to have been born into a very talented and creative family, and so I have always been passionate about art, and have always felt the need to create. I am especially passionate about color and painting joyful paintings in yummy colors with lots of interesting layers. Over the years I dabbled in many different areas of visual arts and crafts (pottery, photography, jewelry, sewing, etc.) while in school, and later while working in the corporate world, before eventually deciding to focus on painting exclusively. When people see my paintings, many are surprised to hear that I have an Industrial Engineering degree from GA Tech (Go Jackets!!).
After becoming a mom to my two amazing boys, Austin and Carter, I decided to pursue painting as a full-time career. I am blessed to be represented by three amazing galleries: Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta, GA (in the Westside), Burton Gallery near Lake Burton in Clarkesville, GA, and Steller’s Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. In addition to painting, I also teach painting classes, which I thoroughly enjoy since it means I can talk about painting as much as I want to!! Most recently I have opened a new studio in Alpharetta, GA where I can expand my class offerings and expand my business in general with a curated boutique of fabulous finds at great prices at the front of the studio. The boutique is in many ways another avenue for me to create something beautiful…I’m having a blast “building up the layers”, just as if it were a painting.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I think original art can transform a space, and a great painting can be mesmerizing. There are paintings that I could stand in front of for hours. I strive to create that experience in my own work. Although a mesmerizing painting can stir up a great many different emotions, with my own paintings, I am shooting for sheer joy, mixed with a few surprises. Color is my primary inspiration, and what excites me the most about my work.
My colorful, vibrant paintings blend both realism and abstraction. I paint primarily in acrylics and will sometimes mix in a variety of other media such as charcoal, inks, oil pastels, gouache, and papers. I like to work in lots of layers and add in interesting textures. I try to choose compositions that invite the viewer “into the painting.” I currently am working on a new series of abstracts using papers made from my photographs of butterflies converted into black and white patterns that become one of many layers. In this series, the many layers of different media result in an abstract field of flowers with a rich depth, hopefully pulling the viewer in, such that they feel like they could walk right through the field, in a more magical way than a purely realistic painting.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
As an artist, I think the definition of success is very personal, and varies greatly from artist to artist, and can also change over time. I think the first “moment of success” for most artists, at least in my general circle, is when that first person asks to have or purchase one of your works to display in their own home, or as a gift for someone special. I think most artists feel sheer joy at that moment, and at every other subsequent recognition received when someone puts that level of value on your work.
As far as more lofty goals, initially my primary goal was to be represented by a prestigious gallery. Once that goal was achieved, I definitely felt successful, and that feeling remained for many years, although I knew that I had to continue to work hard to continue to improve my paintings and grow as an artist. While being represented by three prestigious galleries continues to be extremely important to me, I also have some lofty financial goals. I want to be among the best-selling artists in each of those galleries, and I know I have lots of hard work ahead of me to achieve that goal, primarily in the area of a disciplined work schedule.
In addition, to supplement my income from selling originals, I have expanded to teaching and to opening a creative boutique in the front of my studio. Both of these give me another avenue for creative expression, and both bring me great joy. So, in summary, for me, I think it is setting goals, and working hard to reach them that makes me feel successful, and then taking the time with special friends and family to celebrate each and every success along the way.
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?
My work can be seen at three galleries: Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta, GA in the Westside, Burton Gallery in Clarkesville, GA near Lake Burton, and Steller’s Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; and at my studio in Alpharetta, GA, Ferris Wheel Arts. My paintings can also be seen online at https://greggirbygallery.com/artists/jennifer-ferris-2/, http://stellersgallery.com/artists/overview/jennifer-ferris, and www.JenniferFerrisArt.com. Both Gregg Irby and Stellers are great at supporting customers near and far via online sales. I also do a few shows throughout the year, and Gregg Irby does some traveling shows to various other states, so even if you aren’t in the Southeast, please just contact me or one of the galleries to see how best to view my work.
Contact Info:
- Address: Ferris Wheel Arts
520 S Main St
Alpharetta, GA 30009 - Website: www.JenniferFerrisArt.com
- Phone: 404-245-6115
- Email: JenniferDFerris@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferferrisart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.d.ferris
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JFerrisArt
- Other: www.FerrisWheelArts.com
Image Credit:
Lou Hablas, Amber Byrd, Gregg Irby Gallery Staff
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