Jodi Whalen

New Year, New Work

2012-01-29T12:56:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a brand new series in preparation for my first solo gallery show, which will take place in March, 2012 at The Gallery at Main Street Landing in Burlington, VT. The new pieces are inspired by the simplicity and complexity of trees.

The Blessing Tree

36x48

Enamel on Canvas

I'm working with oil-based enamel sign painter's paint and canvas. After doing a brief stint with classic oil paints, I'm enjoying the fluidity of the sign painter's paint. I'm using my grandfather's beautiful (antique!) brushes for this series, and feel so honored to hold these gorgeous tools in my hand when I work.

My grandfather's sign kit.

Safety First!

I'm doing it all freehand, with no tape, nothing.

The challenge of freehand is great, and has been doing so much

for my concentration and focus. It also amazes me that my grandfather did this every day for 40+ years. The admiration I have for this lost art is so deep.

As I finish more pieces I'll post photos in my portfolio gallery. In the meantime, please 'like' me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jodiwhalenart

"The Family of Things"

2011-04-16T07:41:00.008-04:00

I'm working on some new pieces for the upcoming Vermont Chil dren's Tr ust Foundation's Art of Giving fundraiser on May 14th. I decided to create new work for the event, based on poems by Mary Oliver. This first piece is inspired by the poem "Wild Geese" , and by an early morning walk along the icy shores of Lake Champlain.

"The Family of Things"

My studio is located a few hundred yards from Lake Champlain. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to take in the beauty of this amazing place before I start my day of painting. This day was bright blue from shore to sky, and the water was lush and full with melted mountain snow, inspiring me to use these colors in my painting.

At first, when I decided to work from poetry as an inspiration, I envisioned the new painting being more floral, light, and nature-based. However, as I read this poem and really absorbed it, I was inspired to work in layers of abstract shapes and bright spring colors. "Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine" speaks to how we naturally hide some of our emotions, and often don't feel that they're justified. By creating layers of images that flow and jump, are then covered by blue and white paint, but yet still show their texture, I communicate how, despite our attempts to hide our feelings, they often still show themselves. And sometimes, if we let them appear and accept their presence, they actually color our personalities in a lovely way and expose the beauty of what makes us who we are.

"the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese,

harsh and exciting--over and over announcing your place
in the family of things."

Detail, "The Family of Things"

New Year

2011-01-09T08:59:00.007-05:00

"Pie" Acrylic on Canvas, 30x40

Detail, "Me." Acrylic on Birch.

New year, new work. I'm working on bigger canvases, and am focusing on simplifying some of my pieces, although in some ways that's almost impossible for me. I'm thinking more about memories when I paint, and how they are shaped, and what they would look like if we could see them. Working in layers provides me with the opportunity to communicate the experiences we have when simple thoughts or words enter our minds. The word "Me" immediately sets off a firestorm of images, feelings, colors, shapes and sounds. Who are you? Who am I ? What comes to mind, and how can I capture all of those memories and retrieved "files" that fly into thought when one word is uttered.

Me, Acrylic on Birch.

Art Hop 2010

2010-09-07T09:11:00.002-04:00

My work is on display at August First Bakery for the month of September, along with the work of my daughter, Olivia Hoh. Olivia loves photography, and is showing some of her very cool pics of life through the lens of a 13 year old. If you're out Art Hopping, please stop by to check out our show!

Untitled Photograph/Holga

Olivia Hoh

New Work, "Olivia"

2010-08-15T13:54:00.004-04:00

I just moved into a new studio on Flynn Avenue, in the old VT Children's Trust Foundation building. It's an atypical studio space, very un-hip and plain jane. I have a two room office suite with wall-to-wall carpet, a drop ceiling and florescent lights. Yawn! However, it's incredibly cozy, and just what I wanted. One room holds my workspace, and the other room holds my tea kettle and 4 pillows, so I can drink tea and nap. All part of the creative process!

I've been stretching my vision and my technique lately, and am very happy with the new direction my work is taking. I started to explore the use of older family photos as inspiration, and have really enjoyed taking the time to delve into the spirit and memories that go with them. My latest completed piece, "Olivia", is of my daughter at age 4. I love the look on her face, and the lines of the floor, her legs, and the counter behind her. I remember this time with a full heart. She was lacing up her tap dance shoes, wearing a big winter hat, a tank top shirt and matching skirt, and her ubiquitous tights. Her look said, "put away that camera, mom, can't you see I'm getting ready to dance?"

This piece is painted with Holbein Mat Acrylic paints, a line that I like a lot for its fluidity, coverage, and color selection. I used a base of warm browns, followed with layers of deep red highlights. I used a variety of tools, including an Xacto knife to add some of the details. My favorite new tool is a marker-like pen called The Incredible Nib that I dip in diluted paint, and then use to draw details. I can't allow a painting to sit very still, so I added the white box and white highlights to keep the eye moving and to keep the piece lively.

To the Bridge

2010-08-03T10:47:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty excited to be back in the art saddle again, after slowing down for the past year in order to get the bakery off the ground. It's been great in some ways to have a little break, because some new directions and new artistic expressions are coming out.

I did this piece, "The Day They Blew Up the Bridge" for an upcoming show at the gallery Studio V in Vergennes, VT. The opening is on Saturday, August 7th from 6-8pm.

I took my children to the bridge the day they demolished it, and one of the more memorable images that stuck with me was the isolation seen while walking toward the site. It was a cold, dark day, and the sky and the ground were almost the same shade of gray. People walked quietly toward the bridge, to give it one last look before it was demolished. I took photos along the way, and used them as reference for this painting.

New Work

2010-04-12T16:10:00.015-04:00

Forward!
16x22
Acrylic on Canvas

Albert St 1975
16x20
Acrylic on Canvas

Decatur St 1992
24x36
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

Albert St 1983
16x20
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

The Locals Lined Up
12x12
Acrylic on Board

Elbow Room
22x30
Acrylic on Canvas

Henry St 2010
12x12
Acrylic on Board

Henry St 2010
Acrylic, Needle and Thread on Board
12x12

Art is Good
12x12
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

The Way Out
Oil on Wood
30x48

_______________payment plans available ____________
jodi.whalen@gmail.com

Cityscapes and Other Abstract Paintings

2009-06-08T16:02:00.011-04:00

On My Street
Acrylic on Birch
24x29
____

To The Bridge
18x24
Acrylic on Birch

_____

Cityscape (Afternoon)
Acrylic on Birch
18x24

_____

Cityscape #1
Acrylic on Panel
18x24

Cityscape (Twilight)
Acrylic on Birch
24x29

_____

Cityscape #8

Mixed Media
18x18

_____

Cityscape (Six Million Stories)
Acrylic on Birch
24x48
____

Cityscape #6/When Morning Comes
Acrylic on Birch
24x30

_____

A Poetic Memory... New painting for the Arts Alive Festival

2009-05-31T10:12:00.002-04:00

Here's a brand new piece that I finally completed just in time for the Arts Alive Festival of Fine Arts Juried Show, which will take place at the Union Station Gallery in Burlington, VT in June. The opening reception is Friday, June 5th.

This piece is one of my largest --- 29"x44" (if I remember correctly!). I went back to the beginning, and concentrated on the flow of ideas, colors, and movement that I had last summer when I first started painting. I even went as far as to listen to some of the same music I listened to then ---- lots of Kurt Elling.

So here it is! I'm quite happy with it, and am glad that my focus kind of came back full circle. It's a sweet piece, and is completely open to your individual interpretation and appreciation! Enjoy.

So What (Miles)... a new painting

2009-05-13T19:18:00.003-04:00

This is a brand new piece that I made while listening to great jazz on WRUV (UVM's college station). Inspired by Miles' "So What", which is one of my favorite classic jazz tunes.

There's a lot of cool stuff going on in this little painting (its 12"x12"), including little figures in the sky, and "So What" written backwards. I love when other people look at my work and find things too. The person who bought the painting sees music staffs in the sky, which is obvious now, but weren't a part of the plan. But I never have a plan, so I guess that's what I'm aiming for! When I just flow with the paint and let it work me, some cool subconscious unstructured uninvited unintentional beautiful funky things appear.

I really like this little piece a lot, and am looking forward to just PLAYING with art over the next few weeks and months.... I'm going to reeeeeeeelax and go back to that mindstate of just letting whatever it is (the bit IT) come on out.

Starry Night Cafe' Art Exhibit, Arts Alive Vermont!

2009-05-12T15:10:00.005-04:00

My abstract cityscapes are on display at the Starry Night Cafe' in Ferrisburgh until the end of June. Such a great space, friendly staff, and great food too!

What's new? Tons! I just got word that I've been chosen for the juried art show with Arts Alive in Burlington. The Festival of Fine Art exists to bring art into the places where people live, work and play. Many Church St. businesses will have art in their windows during the festival, and one of my pieces will be in the juried exhibit at the Gallery at the Union Station.

I'm also helping out the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District
with their "Artists Rain Barrel Project", where local artists paint plastic rain barrels that are then sold, with proceeds going to help the WNRCD.

Three of my pieces will be for sale at the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation's Art of Giving
even on May 28th at the Shelburne Coach Barn.

In the studio, I'm concentrating on having fun, and relaxing into my work. A friend came over today and hung out with me while I painted ---- a first for me, as I normally work alone. It was great to do something completely different, and to have the company!

Skunks in the City / New Scratchboard

2009-04-28T13:34:00.002-04:00

"Burlington at Night (Elmwood Ave.)" 9x12, Oil Pastel and Tempera on Bristol

I really, really love this city and have a soft spot for all of the funky houses and funny little critters among us. I remember one night, years ago, when I came home late and saw skunks everywhere (everywhere!), walking down the street like they owned it. I imagine that while we sleep, the city is theirs. So this little piece is a sweet little celebration of our cohabitation!

2009-04-23T19:37:00.006-04:00

Lots of fun things happening lately! Great opening, and some great press. Myra Flynn did a nice article in the Burlington Free Press about me and my art. And the Blick catalog came out, featuring one of my Cityscapes. There's one on their website too, under their listings for Golden Open Acrylics. You have to click on the little bitty photo of my painting to see it. Still, cool!

THE GIFT I GIVE, 12x12, Acrylic on Wood

I'm working on more little gentle introspective sweet paintings like this one. They're a bit of a challenge to make because I have to really get in touch with deep goodness and communicate it simply and beautifully. I think it's a great exercise for me, and it fits in well with the coming of spring, the gratitude for the new long days and the puffs of life we see everywhere around us!

I'll have some art up at the Starry Night Cafe' in Ferrisburg, VT, starting May 1st, hanging along side Gillian Klein.

Open Studio at 180

2009-04-12T19:07:00.005-04:00

Our Open Studio on Friday night was a great success. A ton of people came out to check out all of our artwork, and Stephen's writing. Thanks to Shawna for taking pics!

Pics and maps and cool stuff....

2009-04-07T18:15:00.005-04:00

Off to the studio again in a few minutes to work on a new piece. I found a cool old wall map at the UVM surplus barn last fall. I'm going to wax it up with clear wax, then paint over it in black, let it dry and then scratch away. I haven't used this technique on anything other than paper, so it will be cool to see if it actually works. If it does, it should turn out to be a great piece, because the original map will show through as the character of the artwork.

Phil stopped by to take pics some new pics of me. Here's a fun one of me and the great little Church Street scratch art piece I made that is actually going to travel over to its new owner in Dublin in a few months!

2009-04-04T09:53:00.003-04:00

Really great open house last night at the studios at 180 Flynn. It was great to see so many old friends and to put faces to names of other people too. New homes were found for some of my pieces --- it's always so sweet to send them off... they're like little babies to me!

I had a ton of fun doing these new little pieces like the one above. They're small (5x7, 7x7, 8x10) scratchboard - type works. I lay down wax crayon on paper stock, then cover w/black paint, then scratch away with an Xacto knife. The work is tiny and close-up and very repetitive. Oh so rewarding! I love the little escape it provides, and because I don't plan ahead, it's like I'm in the little city that appears before me.

the studio

2009-02-02T14:26:00.003-05:00

The new studio is so lovely. Here are pics from when cristine was there --- her art hangs in these shots.

New website! New Studio!

2009-02-02T14:16:00.003-05:00

Really cool things happening a-late. A wonderfully wonderful new studio in place, full of light, warm with HEAT, full of amazing, amazing creative energy (thank you cristine and shawna!). I'm a bit overjoyed by it all.

I almost went there this morning to work, as I have a new show coming up in (gulp) 2 weeks at Drink on St. Paul St. in Burlington. Seven of my paintings just hit the road with the great folks at Burlington City Arts. They're hanging them in Montpelier at the National Life building, next to Gillian Klein's. Should be a great showing --- she does very cool city scenes. So I have some work to do to get more ready for the show. I'm still cranking out cityscapes, and they're taking a different form. Here's a newbie:

It's called "To the Bridge", acrylic on birch, 18x24 (?... have to re-measure). Lots of cool texture and detail.

I just updated my website too, finally. www.jodiwhalen.com
Looks much better, fresher... especially with the redbeet egg photo --- mmmm.

the other night....

2009-01-11T22:37:00.001-05:00

Here Now.

9:30 pm, and the household starts to settle down for the night.

I spent a few hours making puppets with the kids tonight out of funky scraps of felt, fabric, eyeballs, etc., that I bought for 3 bucks at a local thrift shop. It felt great to create something whimsical and to sit and laugh with the kids.

Art.
Hmmm.
Blogs.
Hmmmmm.
The jury is still out on how much I can commit to the blogosphere.
I like to spend my time in certain ways.
With my family.
With my friends.
In my studio.
With a cup of coffee, by the fire.

In the studio, my funny big studio with two big windows and no water and no bathroom and sporadic heat. Where I play my favorite music and sing, sing sing along. I scat with Kurt Elling. Sang it with Erykah Badu. I paint. I drink coffee. I sit on the sofa and look at what's on the easel and try to let it squeak it's intention out to me. Sometimes I'm too tanked up to hear it. Other times, it's like a funny little secret we share. I put paint on, and take it off. With sand paper, xacto knives, a wet cloth, a dry towel. I burn it, rub it, scratch it to reveal the little messages, colors, shapes, memories that lie beneath.

Right now, all of my current work is out on exhibit, so I have a studio full of new possibilities. It will be fun to see where the materials take me, and what kind of secrets they'll share with me.

Right right now? Shower. Bed. Drift. Dreams.

All kinds of great stuff...

2008-11-17T11:00:00.004-05:00

It's Monday morning, the wind is blowing the leaves around the backyard. I'm still but scurrying in that electronic kind of way... updating the website, putting together a promo email, contacting newspapers, all in prep for my show at the Daily Planet in 2 weeks. This autumn has whirled by, like the leaves in some ways. A few months ago I had a pile of plain wood, now I have 9 new paintings that truly have a life of their own. Paint + brush + me. That's all. Amazing how simple it is.

Lately I've really begun to appreciate that simplicity, and how, when I let the materials direct me, I can create pieces that are true to my self. There's such a meditative quality to making art, even with it's frustrations and challenges. I've been working hard on finding my voice, listening to that little thing that says, "Make me a skkkkkyscraper, please!" or, "Oh Jodi stop painting right now or you're gonna screw this one up!" It's funny, and actually sounds quite insane, but it's what I have to listen to in order to make pieces that are honest.

Other great stuff... I have an upcoming residency with the Kasini House Gallery in Burlington. I'm doing a series of votive paintings that show messages of gratitude from residents of Burlington's Old North End. More info on me other blog: Thankful That...

So right now I need to finish updating my site, have some tea, pack my bag, and head over to the studio. I have a few more pieces that will, hopefully, be ready for the Planet. More cities, more water, more sky. Simple as that.

Election Day

2008-11-04T14:11:00.003-05:00

It's been quite awhile since I put anything up here. Mostly because I realized, through the use of Google Analytics, that no one actually reads this! Not that that should deter me, of course, but it has put this at the bottom of my list of things to do these days.

Artistically, I've been happily busy. New studio is up and in business, but my-oh-my I have quite a problem... it stinks, literally. The old kerosene heater in it spews a nasty kerosene mist around. Peww! Otherwise, it's perfect! It's big, bright, big, and private. And it's across the street from Viva Espresso, which adds much value to the whole deal! So I've been going to work there on a regular basis, and have created some new stuff that I think is pretty cool.

Life in general is quite lovely. I'm happy to watch the season change. I love filling my little cart at the co-op with squash, onions and sweet potatoes. We roasted some in the woodfired oven yesterday --- it was such a delight. I love how life slows down, and how snug we all get.

So, today, I'll enjoy the late afternoon sunshine with a cup of tea with my friend Nance, who is on the way over. We'll listen to Amos Lee and other smoothies. Wait for the cacophony of kids to come back from the playground (we're hosting 5 boys this afternoon for a Nerf gun 'battle'). Later, off to a friend's house with Phil to watch the returns, and hopefully pop some champagne. Then downtown to celebrate with the Progs at Sweetwaters, then honky-tonk with Brett at Radio Bean.

New York City Scapes and Big City Skylines

2008-10-15T10:50:00.004-04:00

I spent a good part of yesterday in the studio. It feels great to have the space to stretch out and create without a single distraction. I don't use a cell phone, and I certainly don't take the computer along (I wouldn't have a connection anyway), so it's quite raw and basic when I'm there. So far, it's the perfect recipe for creativity and freedom.

I worked my way into this next period of creativity with the vision of doing a series of paintings about Vermont, but curiously, what is coming out are abstract cityscapes, mostly nighttime skylines reflected in water. What makes me feel absolutely wonderful is the fact that I no idea where these images are coming from, so that helps me to believe that I am successful in my quest to be completely free in my creativity, in my moment, and without too much thought of the future. When I'm painting and experience those moments of free flowing creativity, without my inner critic analyzing the piece, I have a sense of connectedness that soothes my little soul.

Phil and I spent a good hour or so this morning discussing just that. Being connected. Believing. Believing in something...anything! I definitely struggle with it all, and at times delve too far into the literal or even the literary side of it (just look at my library list of books borrowed!) Our conversation left me with the realization (again, this isn't new...I just need a reminder now and then) that yes, there is something. It's not in my best interest to try to define it right now. But in order to bring more comfort into my life, which is the result of this connectedness, I need to pay attention to the moments that make me feel in touch with that little bit of positive magic, which I understand to be "It."

So today I'm going to putter around the house, listen for little messages, welcome the messenger, stay relaxed in my day and spontaneous with my intentions. It's all I can do... all any of us can do!

2008-10-14T19:11:00.001-04:00

Technorati Profile

The Great Impression

2008-10-13T13:45:00.004-04:00

It's Monday afternoon, and life is really quite good.

I think the big old financial crisis is hitting people in a way that is a bit unexpected, me included. In the past week, I've flopped from panic (i.e., oh my god...it's all crashing... should we get chickens? a gun?!) to absolute peace with it all, actually welcoming whatever shakedown comes from it. I hear more and more people talking about their grandparents, their experiences with the depression and how people had a camaraderie that is all too absent today. Not a bad thing, I think, to bring back to the masses. Time to put away the credit cards, time to stop believing that a $170 pair of jeans will make your life better. Time to make soup with lots of potatoes, time to make art with what's in the house! I've already worked on setting up a holiday gift-making party with the Sugars, where we'll kick out a bunch of homemade gifts together, working with what we have on hand (journals from old novels....jewelry...and aprons, of course!)

Speaking of...today was quite a big day for me 'cause I moved into my new studio. It's a funky old garage in Burlington's Old North End, right across the street from Viva Espresso and the Panadero Bakery. Perfect! It has a nasty kerosene smell, no running water, and no bathroom, but it's allllll mine! Big windows that look out into backyards, and lots and lots of space. I scraped paint off the windows this morning (apparently it was an old guy's 'workshop' -- who knows what Pop Pop was doing out there -- blacked out windows??!!), swept up, put on a borderline obnoxious (not to me but potentially to others) mix CD, and got to work. It felt great to get a new start in a space that will allow me to be messy and creative and loud.

The paintings that are 'appearing' lately have a sense of a city landscape -- mostly nighttime, big city skylines reflected in water. I had started a series based on VT landscapes, but this other stuff keeps coming through. It's interesting, and I'm curious to see where it goes......

2:00...the nap is calling. Time to let some more braincells grow, to replace the ones that died this morning in the studio.

Night Dream

2008-10-06T11:09:00.007-04:00

It's Monday morning, and we just had a wonderful whirlwind weekend with the Merricks. Grandma Helen, of course, and Greta & Brandon from Boston, Tim & Janet up from NYC, and Rick and his crew from NH. Big dinner on Sat. night with flatbread from the backyard oven. It was so nice to have everyone here and to work a little more toward blending the families.

I'm listening to Kurt Elling, who drives me nuts in all the right ways. It's been awhile since I've put on one of his albums (do we still call them that?) and listened to it start to end, because I use the computer or iPod now and almost always mix it up. He's just crazy... lyricizing (spell check tells me that's not a real word and it want to turn it into this: criticizinglies, which is quite interesting in itself..) instrumental works. Singing Coltane and Shorter, note for note, dead on. Simply put, he makes my brain feel really good. Mmmmm. My synapses spark.

Nature Boy on YouTube

His lyrics are usually quite fabulous too, 'cause he was a student of theology and in general he's a smart dude:

Take a spark of it - deep within you - put it to the test - it will do the rest -
I confess - It will be like
climbing up Mount Everest - I can't express the view from there - but it's
for you to follow through.

So he's my little spark for the day... my supplier of affirmation. As I push forward in the personal and professional aspects of my life --- all new, all challenging, all putting me to the test, daily, I try so hard to remember that all I have to be is myself, simply me, and the rest will follow.

So here's a bit of me, in the form of art. I love abstract. I love folk art. I have 2 separate artistic selves, and they met each other.... Like everything I do, you need to look at it from far away, and then up close to see what's really there.... So lookie here:

Now come a little closer...

Now just a little more.... (put your glasses on!)
It's actually brighter than this...and I'm pushing to get a start on the Alice in Wonderland playbill... so no brightness tweaking right now..