Westborough’s Janine Schmitt Revels in Freedom of Abstract Art
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Amazonia, Oil on Canvas, by Janine Schmitt
"With my art, I attempt to approach each painting with a child-like openness," she says in her artist's statement.
She begins her paintings in a very structured form with pre-cut grids and shapes.
"As I approach a new canvas, I start with different types of grids, adding geometric shapes found in nature and ordinary everyday objects, in a very structured format. As the painting evolves, like to explore the juxtaposition of structured and free flowing forms."
"Then," she states, "I feel completely free to start defacing this structure by adding and subtracting new shapes and looking for harmonious combinations."
She expresses her freedom with multiple tools including, but not limited to, brushes, spatulas, oil pastels, paint tubes, and tape. Layer upon layer is built upon with both consistency and flare.
"Each color plays its part, looking for balance, but at the same time looking for the elements of surprise," says Janine.
Her style reminds us that the freedom that is a natural part of abstract art does not have to be chaotic and confusing, and a certain harmony of colors can be created that is more than pleasant to the eyes. Freedom must come with structure if it is produce anything at all.
"In studying art history, exploring new boundaries of abstract expressionism has always fueled my desire to paint. I am constantly pushing myself to new and unusual forms of expression," says the artist.
In the end she gets what all artists, a uniquely human experience, "the intangible satisfaction of creation" as she puts it.
Janine's life has truly shown that she has an innate talent when it comes to this type of creation. She was truly "born an artist," she says. Since, her life itself has been an adventurous and free creation.
Indeed, at age 14 she received an award from The National School of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been painting ever since. After being born in Brazil, she graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York. She has lived in Westborough for four years now, continuing her art career with great success.
"Here, I found the Danforth Museum and was very happy and surprised to find so many excellent artists in this area, and have produced a very large body of work since arriving," she remarks.
In addition to her art being shown often at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham,her paintings have been viewed in Westborough, Marlboro, Boston, New York, and as far away as Miami, Brazil, and even Vienna. She is also a member of ArtsWorcester.
Needless to say, many, many people the world over have had a chance to experience her work.
"It is my hope that people viewing my art will have the opportunity to think and evolve in an internal creative manner."
She goes on in her artist statement, "It is my hope that when people view my work. they not only experience the composition and color but above all have a feeling of discovery and wonderment."
For the future, Schmitt simply hopes to continue to create art that is relevant and respected by museums and private art collectors. Other than that, "who knows?", she says. Much like her art, her life will continue to be a little structure with a whole lot of freedom.
For more information on Janine Schmitt and view some of her work please visit her website.
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