Jennifer Shada’s watercolors examine textiles for their inherent marking of culture, style and personal narrative. Exclusively painting fabric at rest in undefined space, she draws attention to the origin and function of the material. Like a gazing ball; the frozen, suspended textiles give reflection to the threads uniting our collective past, present and future. In addition to studies of textiles, Shada examines how mundane objects transform from ordinary to extraordinary; asking how specific objects make us feel closer to a time, person or place; something that is no longer tangible. Does this transformation happen onto an object or does it happen within ourselves- the object remaining ordinary to anyone else?
Published on March 3rd, 2024. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you working on these days?
This year has been like non other in terms of my art practice. Usually, there are times where short breaks in a practice happen, and this is true with my work as well. I will be so dedicated and focused on my work, and then other life stuff comes up that needs my time and attention more. This year that break was much longer then expected or anticipated and I just recently starting painting again after a 6 month hiatus. I am currently working on finishing up a few paintings and projects, but I am excited to branch out and add different techniques and processes to my work.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
Having a dedicated space to create is so vital to my practice. I need the space for my work and only for my work- I can’t share it with anyone else or with any other part of my life. I have a great space where I can stretch out and leave paintings and materials out so I know exactly where I left off in my work. Another thing that has been going well is my teaching career has really begun. I am teaching painting and drawing at two junior colleges and being in the classroom definitely motivates and inspires my own practice. I love being around the students and inspire them with tips and tricks in art making. Makes me want to get right back into my own studio and practice what I preach!
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
In March of this year I was dropped by my gallery representation of five years. I found myself getting to a place with my work and the relationship I had with my gallery that was starting to negatively influence my decision making. Since this break, I have been asking myself important questions about what it is I want my work to look like, who I want to work with and how I want to work with people in general. I think the break is ultimately going elevate my professionalism and I now have a clearer idea on how I want those relationships to evolve.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
For the past seven or so years I have been painting directly from life- still life set ups of either folded or suspended pieces of fabric, or objects and trinkets from my past and family history. I am still working in watercolor and am loving exploring how to make a rusty tea kettle look rusty and old using watercolor. I like the challenge of representing something to the best of my ability. I am also very excited to add a new component into my work. I have bene experimenting with cyanotypes and what new element they bring to my watercolor paintings. More on that to come in the next year! Stay tuned.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Being an artist is kind of crazy. Just like any other profession, there are ups and downs, but knowing that no one or nothing out there can ever take away your ability to make and create feels so empowering. It’s like if I had nobody in my life or had no real support from anything, at least I would still have my art practice and that feels soooo good. I know that I can be anywhere and have limited resources and I would still be able to create.
What are you working on these days?
This year has been like non other in terms of my art practice. Usually, there are times where short breaks in a practice happen, and this is true with my work as well. I will be so dedicated and focused on my work, and then other life stuff comes up that needs my time and attention more. This year that break was much longer then expected or anticipated and I just recently starting painting again after a 6 month hiatus. I am currently working on finishing up a few paintings and projects, but I am excited to branch out and add different techniques and processes to my work.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
Having a dedicated space to create is so vital to my practice. I need the space for my work and only for my work- I can’t share it with anyone else or with any other part of my life. I have a great space where I can stretch out and leave paintings and materials out so I know exactly where I left off in my work. Another thing that has been going well is my teaching career has really begun. I am teaching painting and drawing at two junior colleges and being in the classroom definitely motivates and inspires my own practice. I love being around the students and inspire them with tips and tricks in art making. Makes me want to get right back into my own studio and practice what I preach!
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
In March of this year I was dropped by my gallery representation of five years. I found myself getting to a place with my work and the relationship I had with my gallery that was starting to negatively influence my decision making. Since this break, I have been asking myself important questions about what it is I want my work to look like, who I want to work with and how I want to work with people in general. I think the break is ultimately going elevate my professionalism and I now have a clearer idea on how I want those relationships to evolve.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
For the past seven or so years I have been painting directly from life- still life set ups of either folded or suspended pieces of fabric, or objects and trinkets from my past and family history. I am still working in watercolor and am loving exploring how to make a rusty tea kettle look rusty and old using watercolor. I like the challenge of representing something to the best of my ability. I am also very excited to add a new component into my work. I have bene experimenting with cyanotypes and what new element they bring to my watercolor paintings. More on that to come in the next year! Stay tuned.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Being an artist is kind of crazy. Just like any other profession, there are ups and downs, but knowing that no one or nothing out there can ever take away your ability to make and create feels so empowering. It’s like if I had nobody in my life or had no real support from anything, at least I would still have my art practice and that feels soooo good. I know that I can be anywhere and have limited resources and I would still be able to create.
Find Jennifer Shada on Instagram