Born to Italian immigrants in 1950 in the South West town of Donnybrook, Jeana has always had a strong connection to art and creativity. Her art has been showcased in the national Art/Edit magazine based in Sydney, and she was invited to display her work at the Agora Gallery in Chelsea, NY. Recently, she received a special commendation in the Self Represented Art Awards, which was highlighted in the Autumn 2024 edition of the Australian Art/Edit national magazine.
Jeana is a successful artist with an extensive resume, catering to a wide range of clients for commissioned work. She also has upcoming art exhibitions, including the upcoming Expressive Triad Exhibition at the Inglewood Arts Hub from 7-17 August.
To learn more about Jeana and her art, we posed a few questions to her.
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey and what inspired you to pursue an art career?
I have loved art - painting and drawing from a very young age. I attended Claremont School of Art and TAFE fine arts studies in Perth. I worked full-time in the corporate sector for a number of years. Family and work commitments didn’t allow me to pursue my art full-time.
During this period, I entered several exhibitions in Perth. It wasn’t until some years later when we moved to Bunbury that I had the opportunity to pursue my love of painting. I've held three solo exhibitions, a collaborative one at the new Collie Regional Art Gallery, and many other exhibitions in the South West and Perth.
How would you describe your artistic style and the themes that often appear in your work?
In terms of my artistic style, I would describe it as a blend of abstract and realism, and the themes of my paintings are the beauty of the Australian landscape. Many of my landscapes tell a story. I shy away from making political statements, but some of my work relates to particular events taking place at the time.
What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why do they hold a special significance for you?
I work with good-quality acrylics and canvases. Acrylics dry quickly, enabling me to paint almost to the last minute. I now avoid using oils because of their toxicity.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished artwork?
Many of my works are inspired by the Australian landscape. I often use photo references that I have taken. Experiencing the environment is important in my work. I rarely draw or create a solid base for my paintings. Most of my work commences with color and shapes. My more contemporary pieces don’t necessarily begin with an idea and quite often evolve into something quite spontaneous.
Are there any specific artists or art movements that have influenced your work and shaped your artistic vision?
Impressionism, I would say, certainly influenced me much earlier on. My early work was very much in the folksy naive style and was influenced to some extent by Gauguin. I feel all artists are subconsciously influenced by other artists.
What emotions or messages do you aim to convey through your art, and how do you hope viewers will interpret your work?
Sometimes it is enough for the viewer to experience the beauty in the painting and a sense of peace. I’m happy with that. My recent work often tells a story, but I like the viewer to find their own meaning in the work.
Can you tell us about a particular piece of artwork that is especially meaningful to you, and explain the story behind its creation?
Yes, a painting I created on the story of my family immigrating from Italy. It is a work telling the story of those difficult and happy years. This painting was awarded a special commendation by Art/Edit Magazine in their Self-Represented Art Award and published in their 2024 Edition.
How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist, especially during times of creative block or self-doubt?
It is not always easy - sometimes perseverance and sometimes just stepping back and allowing myself to have a break. I don’t really have artist's block; it’s more that I may be inspired by a number of subjects and just don’t know quite where to begin.
What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have they impacted your growth and development as an artist?
Self-doubt - possibly no different from most artists. It was quite some years before I could pursue my love of painting due to family commitments and employment. It wasn’t until my fifties when we moved to Bunbury that I was able to focus on my passion for art.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you envision your artistic practice evolving in the future?
I'll keep painting! I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to do what I am doing. However, I am always looking at how I can improve my skills.
Exhibition poster:
Connect with Jeana:
Instagram: Jeana
Facebook: Jeana
email: Jeana
