Jan Mirenda Smith
Hello
I was trained as a painter and museum professional. I have been a creative leader who enjoys people and serving as a catalyst in the arts for over 35 years with a background in Fine Art and Museum Studies. I am intrigued by building strong interpersonal relationships and innovative community partnerships, particularly using the arts as a catalyst. .
My Story
As an artist, passionate about impact, I want my work to resonate with a viewer as a call to action and serve as a catalyst for change, presenting an opportunity for positive redirection by the viewer.
My recent work evolved during the early stages of the pandemic, when the world was not only confronted with a deadly virus and our vision was consumed by extraordinary events. From this period, the Storming Series emerged using dramatic landscapes from photos I have taken to create pastel and watercolor images that wrestled with the changing atmospheric storms of our time caused by climate change.
My studio work consists of both watercolor and pastel, focusing on landscape, sometimes painted plein air and more often from photos I have taken outdoors. I use landscape as metaphor to mark periods in time, transitions, change and emotional impact.
As my work evolves, I hope to not only draw attention to the issues, but encourage viewers to act in simple, imaginative ways.
In my previous career, I was a museum professional and found that exhibits can be learning opportunities, resulting in new information to those who attend. By creating my own work with the hope to instill new awareness, I am able to bring harmony between my previous profession and my current practice in painting.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
920-858-3633