Jeanna Penn

• Instagram
• Practice of research that leads to impactful artwork
• Mix media narrative analog collage
• Thematic focus: Re-contextualize images and experience of black people.
• Images from different times, places, and contexts.
• Give the opportunity for people see themselves in a different context.
• Build a new narrative.

Play and Research

Jeanna mentioned she follows writer: @inspiredtowrite

Inspiration

• Romare Bearden
• Ezra Jack Keats
  • kid's book
  • 60s
• Bill Melendez
  • Peanuts animated special in 60s

Constantly acquiring new skills, Jeanna recently learned how to create prints. Regardless of the technique she employs, she consistently strives to express herself in the language of collage, maintaining her own aesthetic.

Jeanna employs watercolour paint as a base with collage layered on top.

Her work speaks the language of collage, utilizing prints.

Additionally, she incorporates 3D elements.

When working on a specific topic, lots of research about the topic including the content and imagery.

Series

• Curate a playlist and reading list.
• Visit exhibition to broaden influences.

Sources

Initially, the requirement was that sources had to be entirely original, posing a challenge when considering the use of materials from archives and libraries.

However, the realization that libraries and archives offer a wealth of digital materials changed her mind. This not only addresses the initial challenge but also provides the opportunity to print and scale up creations, broadening the scope of artistic possibilities.

Process

• Utilizes an Exacto knife.
• Progress is deliberately slow due to real-life commitments (work, family), emphasizing a thoughtful and intentional approach.
• Dedicates significant time to research, sourcing, and pre-production.
• Prefers heavy watercolour paper mounted on substrate
• 2x4 foot pieces.
• Primarily engages in analog collage.
• Incorporates various painting mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, Indian ink, and markers.
• Drawing elements as well.
• Invests considerable time in deciding on the composition, often spanning weeks.
• Protects images with transparent 8.5x11 envelopes, which also serve as tools for experimenting with composition.
• Documents the artistic process consistently.
• After finalizing the composition, photographs the work and explores further possibilities in Photoshop.
• Experiences anxiety regarding the background, as the paper is mounted, making painting mistakes costly.
• Experiences anxiety during the gluing process due to the uniqueness of the materials used.

Making

In late 2021, Jeanna acquired a dedicated studio space featuring versatile Home Depot working tables that can be easily relocated based on her needs. This studio space not only accommodates her creative pursuits but also provides an opportunity for her child to witness her in the role of an artist.

Jeanna operates a mural painting company, offering valuable resources that streamline her work. This connection not only facilitates her creative process but also instills a productive mindset. Each phase of the artistic process brings unique expectations and procedures. On painting days, the entire dynamic of the day undergoes a transformation.

Finishing

Completion Criteria:

• When there is a deadline to meet.
• Balanced with the fear of making mistakes.
• When she feels satisfied with the piece.

Photography Process:

• Photographs under fluorescent light only.
• Conducts color correction in Photoshop for a more realistic color representation.
• Creates thumbnails and glues them into a notebook to assess how pieces relate to each other.

Titling Artworks:

• Title creation poses a challenge.
• Titles may come naturally, be obvious, or inspired by songs and poems.

Framing Preferences:

• Prefers pieces to be ready for hanging.
• It creates a polished and professional appearance.
• Decision to frame is case by case due to cost considerations.
• Opts for a simple frame, influenced by a personal experience of a collector reframing her work. The investment in the frame was wasted.
• Cultivates relationships with small independent framers. It can lead to potential benefits with regularity.

Certificate of Authenticity:

• Once framed, the signature on the back are not visible.
• Utilizes high-quality paper for certificates.
• Includes a thumbnail of the piece and details about her.
• Features an embossed seal and a copyright note emphasizing intellectual property rights.
• Enhances the perceived value of the work, particularly for collectors.

Aftermatch

• Safely stores all project leftovers in acid-free folders.
• Uncertain if they will be utilized by others, but maintains them for personal reference.

Diffusion

Placement and Exposure:

• Considers where the piece belongs and strategizes how to get it there.
• Explores the dialogue with other artworks, often through galleries and museums.

Visibility and Engagement:

• Acknowledges the importance of having work exhibited.
• Utilizes social media as a dynamic platform:
  • Facilitates connections with a diverse audience.
  • Directs people to her artwork.
  • Recognizes it as a living entity that requires continuous attention.

Call for Artists:

• Participates in calls for artists:
  • Offers opportunities for broader visibility.
  • Be selective. Identifies calls that align with her work.

Sales Approach:

• Selling is not the primary goal.
• Avoids letting market concerns influence the creative process.
• Engages with Indie Art Advisors for assistance in spreading her work, including fairs and connecting with collectors.

Exploration of Art Forms:

• Explores alternative avenues such as zines, street art, and donations for charity auctions.

Impact & Engagement

Engagement with Other Artists:

• Actively engages in conversations with other artists.
• Participates in presentations and talks.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Joins workshops.

Residencies:

• Seeks opportunities for residencies.
• Establish connection with other artists.

Community Building:

• Organizes and participates in events such as collage nights.
• Establishes or becomes part of an art collective.

Events and Collaboration:

• Participates in various events to showcase work.
• Collaboration with other artists.

Knowledge Exchange:

• Shares knowledge and skills through teaching.

Q&A

How to deal with multiple paths in life?

• Relieve yourself of the pressure.
• Work at your own pace.
• Things won't happen as you envision; be flexible.
• Social media creates lots of pressure by comparing yourself to other people.
• Each choice you make will require a sacrifice. Where are you willing to compromise?

How do you conceptualize a series?

• Notebook with constant ideas; some of them need to wait.
• Consider what is feasible.
• Reflect on what excites you.
• Assess what your time and space allow you to do.

How to use the archives?

• Most of the time, the items are already archived.
• Sometimes, I requested the archivist to scan them.
• Many institutions have rights-free resources available.

How do you price your work?

• What is in the middle between what you want and what is reasonable?
• The location where the work will be displayed will influence the price.
• An art adviser can assist in determining the appropriate pricing.
• You should feel that you are not giving it away.
• Research is challenging, especially when some people are more established in the field.

As an emergent artist, is it good to have prints to get more exposure?

• Yes, because you may end up without any body of work due to selling, etc.
• Understanding who the audience is crucial.
• You can embellish them to create originals.

Does your projects have goals set before it?

• Not always.
• If you have the work, you can find where they go.

Are you developing different projects in tandem? Do you have numbers in mind for each project?

• Everything is very intentional.
• The envisioned outcome will define how the work will be executed.

Final Presentation

The aim of this workshop is to empower participants to address their artistic practice and facilitate desired changes.

The concluding session will take the form of a presentation. Organize the presentation using the framework outlined below.

The process of articulating these points will enable you to delve into your aspirations and connect with others to gain further insights.

Cultivate self-understanding and refine the language describing your work. This clarity will aid in devising effective strategies to attain your goals.

Reflect on your current progress with each step.

Select six images that represent each stage of the artistic practice.

• 20 seconds per image
• What is the key message or information that you consider the most important for people to know?

Artist Statement

Criticism of a generic art statement (link to google docs)

Why should you pay attention to what is being said?

Examine each sentence individually and assess its meaningfulness without the need for elaborate language. The art statement should not merely describe the work; it should evoke an understanding of the work you do.

The objective is to scrutinize the language—each sentence must convey meaningful information. Articulate precisely what you do, elucidating the materials and processes involved. Artist statements may be project-specific or encompass the broader practice, with variations based on the intended audience.

Maintaining a balance between the professional and personal aspects is crucial.

A useful strategy involves recording yourself describing each stage of the art practice and subsequently editing the content. The written expression might exude more confidence than we feel internally.

Choosing between the first and third person narration lacks clear guidance. The decision should be guided by what feels right and the feedback received.

Series

Proposal

Stating professionalism arises from a thoughtful consideration of each step in the process. Produce professional work that people can rely on.

• What are the needs?
• What are the goals?
• What are the responsabilities?

Art run centres

• They possess a budget for artistic endeavors.
• They might be committed to a particular medium or artistic practice.

Resources shared

• Ric Kasini Kadour-Voile et Mur Proposal
• Ric Kasini Kadour-Finding Gold
• Ric Kasini Kadour-Pod Tower Living Prospectus
• Projects on his website https://rickasinikadour.com/main/

Copyright

Collage artists often grapple with copyright concerns as they incorporate elements of others' work into their creations. The consequences of copyright infringement are nuanced. While advisors can offer guidance on usage, only a jury or judge can definitively decide what constitutes a legal use.

The distinction between what can or cannot be used is not always clear-cut. Legal action is typically taken if it is deemed financially worthwhile; the cost and effort involved in suing someone can be substantial.

Fair Use

Artists inherently incorporate the work of others in some way, even when intellectual property is owned by someone else. There exists a certain degree of permissible use.

As humans and as a society, we have a fundamental need for shared resources. Artists, in particular, occupy a unique space in society, utilizing and building upon what is available.

CAA resource

• Based on U.S. law, it might differ around the world. However, the moral aspect remains the same.
• Limitations
  • Don't change the medium without creating something new.
    • When David Elliot paints a diorama, there is no new meaning added. Since it's his own creation there are no issues.
    • Is this merely embellishment?
• Have a clear intention behind your choices:
  • Why did you choose this particular medium?
  • Why are you pursuing this specific approach?
• Avoid claiming originality of the source material and always cite your sources:
  • This helps curators build context and ensures ethical handling of intellectual property.

Materials produced by the U.S. government are not copyrighted by the government.

Materials

What are the implications of using materials? The materials themselves have an impact and convey a message.

Pears’ Soap Advertisement  
Caucasian Baby helps clean the “Other” baby

• Using a particular source material can implicate your art, regardless of your intention.
• For instance, consider the Pears soap brand, which in the past had racist posters. An artist used this material to provoke thought about its historical context (Kolaj article).
• Similarly, incorporating a picture of a young Hitler raises questions about the implications it brings to the work.