Conversations with the Inspiring Jana Fleming

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Fleming.

Jana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Throughout my life, I have found joy through art and design. At a young age, I loved being creative and therefore knew I wanted to study art in college. Graduating from Auburn University with a BFA in Studio Art and a concentration in painting, I spent my college years exploring various approaches to develop my current artistic capacity. After graduation and working various jobs outside of art, I got married and a few years later became blessed to stay at home as a new mom. Navigating motherhood is not for the weary and I felt like I was missing something for myself between diapers and feedings. I felt lost and longed to be creative so I started painting again. At first, it was only for family and close friends but after realizing I could grow this into a business I soon started branding myself and getting my name out through social media and word of mouth. I currently stay busy with commission work and shows in the Atlanta area and just launched a unique style collection on my website.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Three things have been challenging for me – the comparison trap, work/life balance, and wanting to give up.

As an artist, it’s natural to compare yourself to others, especially when there are many successful female artists in the South. I try to focus on standing out and making myself different from the rest. I really love the texture and the organic movement of lines throughout my work so I focus on that set me apart from other artists.

Of course, any mom feels the guilt of taking time for themselves that could otherwise be spent with their children. To juggle the demands of motherhood I try to create a schedule that works best for my family while painting during kid’s school hours and evenings after the kids are asleep.

And goodness! Giving up has crossed my mind too many times, but passion and determination outweigh the exhaustion.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Jana Fleming Art story. Tell us more about the business.
As an abstract artist, you really have to work hard to set yourself apart. While I appreciate all forms of art I really love creating unique abstract mixed media pieces. I often use soft pastels, graphite, charcoal, and resin with acrylic paints. Most all of my pieces have my signature “texture” creating depth and interest. My love for color can be seen throughout my work, whether it is fiery orange or calming blues, I am really passionate about it all. I also have an eye for interior design which I believe helps when visualizing a custom painting in someone’s home.

Painting is my language and I use it to express myself. I take the time to learn about a client, their home, and the kind of emotions they want the painting to elicit. I want my clients to see and feel something inside them when they look at my work. My mark making can be seen as chaos amongst a quiet, serene background… which ironically translates a lot as to my current stage of life.

I’ve most recently created a “Style Collection” where fashion and art collide. This collection includes one-of-a-kind carefully curated and handcrafted accessories that are perfect for any occasion.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
As cliché, as it might sound my mom, has really been a great inspiration to me, especially now that I’m a mother. She is the most hardworking and selfless person I know. While I was growing up, she worked full-time and still had a home cooked meal on the table every night at dinner. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but it blows my mind how she did it all. She even got her Masters and Doctorate degrees while working full time and caring for our family. She has set a great example for me to work hard while striving to be the best person and mother I can be.

Pricing:

• Commissions range from $100-$4,000 depending on size
• Style Collection Pieces range from $28-98

Contact Info:

• Website: www.janaflemingart.com
• Phone: 770-712-1799
• Email: jana@janaflemingart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/JanaFlemingArt
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JanaFlemingArt

Image Credit:
Brooke Whitney Photography, Willow Park Boutique, Emi K. Mason, from Mrs. Howard (home of Kristin Wooten)

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.