As an artist I am a bit all over the place! I often describe myself as having art ADD, lol. I have never been able to lock myself down to a signature style or medium. I really enjoy trying new things. There are however some recurring themes in my art.
Inspirations…
I am inspired by Fashion, more accurately by vintage fashion! I even majored in Fashion Design in College. I am inspired by all types of dance. I am not much of a dancer myself, though I do enjoy dancing from time to time. I simply love the combination of strength and grace in the bodies of dancers. I am also inspired by circus arts, especially vintage circus performers! I am intrigued by subcultures and counterculture movements throughout the various decades especially flappers, burlesque culture, circus culture, and punk culture. I draw a lot of inspiration from these and I am inspired other artists who do the same. I enjoy all things feminine and delicate yet strong, especially images of strong women.
I love to explore color and texture, combining abstract flowy forms with precise and controlled forms. I love the color green! I am inspired by the crisp geometric Art Deco shapes and patterns as well as the delicate and ornate ones associated with Art Nouveau. I love fiber arts especially wool. It is just so warm and fuzzy! My current medias of choice to work in are alcohol inks, and watercolor. As I mentioned before though I really enjoy trying out new mediums and tools so I am quite often scattered in my artistic efforts.
My time is quite limited for doing my own artwork, but I spend a considerable amount of time facilitating process art for both kids and adults. I get to do a lot of creative play and experimentation which I love to do!
Here are a few examples of my art…
My top 5 favorite artists!
These artists have all been inspirational to me in my own work.
1. Erte
Erte was a Russian born, French artist most famous for his art deco fashion designs. He designed over 200 Harper’s Bazaar covers in the 1920s and 30s. I love the use of pattern and whimsy in his designs. The Art Deco period is one of my absolute favorites!
2. Gustav Klimt
Klimt was an Austrian artist who worked in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is a symbolist painter and part of the Art Nouveau movement. I am particularly inspired by his “Golden Phase” I love his use of color and pattern.
These next three artists are currently living and working so I have not included photos of their work since I do not have permission to do so.
Please click on the links below to see some beautiful examples of their work from their own pages!
3. Cynthia Markert
Cynthia Markert is a local favorite here in Knoxville TN. She paints images of strong women and sisterhood on wood panels. She has a beautiful Art Deco style. I am inspired by her use of proportion and her mixture of large flat shapes and detailed pattern. I also love her use of color.
4. Puddleton Art
I found Puddleton art otherwise known as Alice Badgley, on Etsy one day while I was browsing and I fell in love. It is my goal to own a piece of her art one day (Update, I have a beautiful little pice now)! I am inspired by her whimsical style and her use of mixed media to create these beautiful images of 1920s fashion.
5. Mimi Kirchner
Mimi Kirchner is a fiber artist from Boston. She makes these amazing dolls, many of which are inspired by vintage eras. She uses bits of old fabric and buttons in her designs. I love the vintage feel and her attention to detail. My favorites are her circus looking dolls , but they are all so unique and fun!
I would love to hear some of your inspirations as artists. Feel free to share some of what inspires you to create or a favorite artist of yours in the comments below!
Jennifer MacIsaac 