Introducing Jennifer Paganelli, a visionary artist whose whimsical creations paint a world of enchantment and inspiration.
We love the whimsical and vibrant themes of your art. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your unique style and how it has evolved over time?
Thank you for finding me. I love to share my painting journey. The colors in my artwork capture my youth living in The Virgin Islands. The vivid palette never left me. The blues sea and green fauna are imprinted on my soul. I moved there with my family when I was in the 5th grade. I remember the spectacular colors getting off the airplane. Having been born in Syracuse New York, which is quite gray for most of the year, I was blown away. Seeing palm trees for the first time was like visiting a different planet. It was a sensory explosion!
Your work extends beyond canvas and into fabric design. How do you approach the creative process differently when working with textiles compared to traditional painting?
Long before I painted I designed fabrics for the quilting world using vintage designs as my inspiration. I used a light box at first to trace but then quickly transitioned to computer graphics. Graphic design simplified the experience in just about every way. The coloring of fabrics is very rewarding. To see the designs evolve using different colors placed in different positions in Photoshop or Illustrator is very gratifying. They possess different moods when the colors change and I reach for a happy vibe in all I do. I work with companies that at one time milled the fabrics and now primarily digitally print the fabric, so I’ve seen so many advances in technology and processes. Once created, fabrics ship all over the world for distribution to quilt shops. I have a deep passion for designing fabrics, but what truly fuels my creative fire is witnessing these fabrics come to life in the hands of the next generation of creators. Quilters, sewers, and makers bring my designs to life!
Do you have a mentor that has influenced your artistic journey?
I do have one significant influence on my artistic development. Barbara Strawser – a folk Artist from Pennsylvania. Her whimsy and spontaneity had me collecting her work long before I ever started to paint. Additionally, I also have taken many classes online. Some of the classes and resources I have used are Skillshare, Creative Bug, Domestika, Amanda Evanston, Wendy Brightbill, Shelby Dillon, and Carrie Schmidt. All are great places to learn to paint. I still take classes after 10 years of painting.
Your art seems to convey a sense of joy and wonder. Can you tell us about a specific moment or experience that had a profound impact on your artistic career?
I was fortunate. I had a mentor in high school at St. Croix Country Day School who really impressed the idea that I could do anything I wanted to pursue. She was a cheerleader. I remember my parents would get the Sunday New York Times, I would take charcoal and newspaper print and copy the fashion illustrations every week and she said copying was the best foundation for learning.
I did not pursue art because at the time I needed to get a 9-5 job and make money. I do think whatever you lead with as a child you will come back to in later years. I’m 65 and have been painting for 10 years and I’m hooked.
I’d love my art to be uplifting. My childhood was marked by alcoholism which was a very dark and tragic backdrop. These colors are emotional for me and it’s my way to convey hope to others who grow up with addiction in the home.
Many of your pieces feature intricate details and patterns. What techniques and tools do you use to achieve such precision in your artwork?
I use both acrylic and Gouache in my work. Gouache gives a flat pristine sensibility and heavy body acrylics bring lots of texture. They dry very quickly, as opposed to oil, and I love that about them. I have over 300 brushes and after 10 years I know how each will impact the artistic effect. It was daunting when I started but the medium becomes its own language.
As our Creator of the Month, you’re an inspiration to many emerging artists. What advice would you offer to those looking to find their own unique artistic voice and style?
I think my style is constantly emerging. To new artists, I say be gentle with yourself and don’t quit before the miracle.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferpaganelli/
