Jennifer Bothast

Artist Statement

My earlier work stemmed from painting images that reminded me of the stained- glass windows depicting the stations of the cross that I often walked along at church as a child. I was fascinated with the way the colors broke free out of the thick metal borders, holding the glass in place. I was also fascinated with other examples of translucence such as glistening water in clear containers and the way the sun shone through Spring leaves. That's when it occurred to me that I wasn't being drawn to any specific color or material, but it is the LIGHT itself that draws me in! The fact that light can be seen through any object, a solid mass of any kind, is akin to the way the light of the Divine works within us, even when we can't see it. Translucence is a reminder that no matter the circumstance, the light always gets in.

More recently, the spiral is taking on more significance in my work. It is different than the shape of a circle because even if you come back to a similar point of where you started, it is always on a deeper level. You aren't ever quite at the level of perception from where you started in the beginning. There is always growth and new levels of understanding.

The spirals show up in the composition, as design elements, and as tempos of movement. They reflect the journeys of my growth and understanding regardless of the actual subject matter portrayed. Something as simple as a tree or a section of a floral garden is also a symbol of life and an evolution of consciousness. With each curve within the spiral there is the opportunity to revisit lessons of the past with a new perspective and depth. We grow through every challenge overcome and accomplishment realized.

I am also now more open to allowing simple lines and shapes convey meaning. Sometimes there is more depth in what you can imagine and perceive through your own personal perception than being told what you see and believe. There is a profound amount of freedom in allowing the viewer to see what they need to see and feel what they need to feel.
There is healing through the process of expression as I move through each piece and there is healing available for the viewer as well...if they are ready and willing to receive.

Biography

I have been an artist as long as I can remember. I was always that kid that was gifted arts and craft supplies for every gift giving occasion. But it took me a long time to take myself seriously even though I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil and painting since I had control of my fingers. I used to be very tight and precise with my drawings, trying my best to hone the skill of exactly reproducing what I was seeing. As I am growing older, I have been forcing myself to let go of that restriction and have begun using painting as prayer, setting down my intention in writing on the canvas as I begin the work. I often paint with trust through the exploration of my perception of energy and I paint imagery which moves across the canvas, journeying through my personal truths.

My arts education began with the private lessons I begged for as a young child. I then went on to graduate from a magnet arts high school and attended Ringling College of Art and Design. Over the years I have been growing in confidence to allow more play, more freedom in my work. I believe I am strongly influenced by Kandinsky and Franz Marc. I have studied under Jeanne Bessette and have come to learn from and admire many more contemporary artists currently in the field. Most recently, I have begun to wonder if I am not beginning to channel energy with improved clarity, with more light. I currently live in a small suburb of Jacksonville, Fl and have exhibited both locally and internationally. I am always interested in expanding in skill and consciousness. I am an artist.

Exhibition History (CV)