Interview with Jenny G

q) Well, first of all please tell us a little about yourself.
 
 
a)I was born in Vancouver 27 years ago, and just moved back here a few
months ago. For the past 6 years, I lived in Montreal and San Francisco.
At the moment I'm working as a fulltime artist, and I'm applying for grad
school in the U.S. for Fall 2012.
 
 
q)How would you describe your work?
 
 
a)My work takes advantage of process and material. Working on large scale,
un-evenly cut paper, my work unfolds upon a visible layered mark making.
By availing myself to the discomfort that comes with following the
intuitive thought process, I like to tread in the area between
representation and abstraction.
 
 
 
q) Did somebody encourage you to become an artist?
 
 
a)I never really thought that I would be able to be a fulltime artist and
make a living of it. That is to say, I didn't know it was even possible
until I started taking art classes in College. My plan was to pursue
Mathematics or Physics, only because I was decent at it. I completely
abandoned that once I discovered that it's very possible to make art for a
living...although not easy. It just so happens that the problem solving
approach has been transfered from my education in Math and Science into my
art practice.
 
 
 
q) What is your favorite medium?
 
 
a)I like to work on paper. Not only does it allow for direct contact, but
it also holds up to aggressive mark making. It's easy to cut or add more
surface quickly, so there's a sense of spontaneity that melds well with
my process. All my work is on some sort of paper, and I use a wide range
of mediums on top of that; oil paint, oil stick, pastels, acrylic paint,
spray paint, ink, graphite, charcoal. My newest project involves working
uniquely on a tablet in photoshop, and then printing them out as digital
c-prints. It's exciting for me to start thinking about the process of
working large scale in the physical world and living through the process,
versus creating within the perimeter of a tablet and not seeing the final
product until it's done. Both are good.
 
 
q) Generally speaking, where do your ideas come from?
 
 
a)Basically, my ideas come from my own work. I'd like to say it's completely
self perpetuating, but of course there are aspects of my life and
experiences that come through. For example, when I was living in Montreal,
I was making work with sunny-beachy imagery. And while I was living in
California, I was making images that appear more wintery-christmassy. And
now it's sort of a mix of the two. This wasn't something I was fully aware
of at the time, so I guess it was somehow intuited. I like to think of art
making like an event over time. Within the time it takes to make one
piece, within a year, 10 years, a lifetime...that way there's a sense of
failure and success built into each piece. It's the thing keeps it
exciting...to see an evolution and continuous growth.
 
 
q) How long does it take to complete a piece?
 
 
a)It varies. On average, I'd say it takes 3 months. I work on many pieces at
the same time and go back and forth. I have some pieces that I've been
working on for over a year.
 
 
q) Who are your favorite artists…and who are some artists you are
currently looking/listening to?
 
 
a)Carroll Dunham, Josh Smith, Tal R, are some of my favorite artists. Their
working method and outlook on the creation process are very inspirational.
I just came back from LA, and there I saw a collaborative exhibition by
Aaron Curry and Richard Hawkins at David Kordansky Gallery. I was blown
away!
 
 
q) Are you represented by a gallery? Do you have any upcoming exhibits?
 
 
a)I am not represented by a gallery...yet. Right now, I'm working on
applications for grad school as well as residencies in Canada and USA.
 
 
q) Do you have any 'studio rituals'? As in, do you listen to certain types
of music while working? What helps to get you in the mood for working?
 
 
a)I don't have any rituals. I find that variety serves me well in the
studio. Sometimes I work along with music or the radio, sometimes in
silence. Forcing myself to work everyday, even if I'm not in the mood, is
important. If I just  waited for inspiration, I would never make anything.
It all comes from working.
 
 
q) What is your favorite a) taste, b) sound, c) sight, d) smell, and e)
tactile sensation?
 
 
a)That's an odd question! I couldn't even start to answer it.
 
 
q) Do you have goals that you are trying to reach as an artist, what is
your 'drive'? What would you like to accomplish in your 'profession'?
 
 
a)The main goal is to be fulfilled within myself and to be constantly
challenged. Of course I can't live off of self-fulfillment, I need money!
I'm going to grad school so that I can be a fulltime artist. To be
immersed in a vibrant and inquisitive community of other artists, gain
exposure, and have opportunities to participate alongside innovative
practices....that's what I want to accomplish.
 
 
q) When have you started using the internet and what role does this form
of communication play for you, personally, for your art, and for your
business?
 
 
a)It plays a big part. I don't use the internet to help with my creation
process, but it is useful in terms of keeping up with events ;
exhibitions, openings, lectures. And of course, I'm always looking for new
opportunities to show or apply for grants. I recently got my website up
and it's nice when people contact me about my work or blog it.  It all
helps to get your work seen throughout the world.
 
 
 
q) What do you obsess over?
 
 
a)Time.
 
 
q) Do you have prefered working hours? Do you pay attention to the time of
the day or maybe specific lighting?
 
 
a)I'm definitely a morning person. I use the daytime hours to mainly
think/write. During the night hours, I am more able to let loose. The
thinking and making states of mind are quite separate for me and things
work best when I'm capable of letting go of what seems most logical.
 
 
q) Do you do commissioned works?
 
 
a)I have in the past, but not of late.
 
 
q) Any tips for emerging artists?
 
 
a)Work work work work work
 
 
q)…Your contacts
 
 
a)www.gjennyg.com