Daily Inspiration: Meet Janna Blackburn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janna Blackburn.

Hi Janna; so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started painting in late 2021 after taking a 30-year hiatus.  In those years my focus was raising my three daughters, which I enjoyed immensely. Studying art was not even in my thoughts. I was busy working full-time in the fire life safety industry and running a household.  Those years were fast paced, the only time I had for art was my daughter’s school projects. 

Around late 2020 I ran across some artist on social media, who taught the process of fluid art and abstract art.  The tutorials lit a fire within my soul that I believe was always there. It had been muffled by the noise of life, of other things needing my attention.  What drew me in was the depth of dimension and the ethereal feel to this process that I had never seen before.  It captured my attention, to be laser focused. I absorbed every ounce of details and information I could, learned along the way that this process was not as easy and was even more challenging than I had expected. It required copious amounts of patience, practice, and study.  

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I did not know the pathway of getting my art in front of the right people. The road could have been smoother, and it could have been easier.  Quite frankly, I thought I was exhausted raising my children, I am exhausted now!  I still work a full-time job in the Fire Life Safety industry.  Then on weekends, evenings, and early mornings all free time is dedicated to my art. I am still determining the business side is concerned and promoting my work.  

Last year I focused on my social media, entered several juried exhibits where they were excepted. I attended a couple of Market Arts and Craft Fairs and have quite a few of my art pieces hanging for sale at a local nail salon the Wynn.  All had very positive outcomes which netted me some sales of some of my pieces.  Due to my persistence, I’ve been producing one to two art pieces a week. I now have a decent inventory of my artwork.  Like anything in life, it takes time to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
My artwork is primary abstract fluid art. The details in my art consist with the use of various tools, pallet knives, paint brushes, catalyst wedges and many other unconventional tools such as a hair dryer.  I’m recognized for what is called a fluid art pearl pour. I am drawn to this technique as the compositions can produce an ethereal look and feel.  The style forms billowy clouds or produces what is know as a pearl cell.  The color selection also mixes, creating shadows of multiple colors with the pearls or clouds. My pallet knife use creates bold lines, and the use of colors can create a soft, whimsical feel to my compositions.  The fun playfulness comes in when I add additional colors in using my pallet knives or other tools. I’ve had a few proud moments; I recently took second place in a local online public juried competition (MAC Anything Goes). I’ve recently been juried and exhibited at the GVAL at HD Souths 20th Annual Juried Fine Art Show. Last year I was juried in the ArtLink Found Re 22nd Annual Juried Exhibition.  The exhibitions have validated to me that I am on the right path, they have also been very humbling as I get to mingle and meet many beautiful, talented artist that I admire.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a risk taker throughout all aspects of my life.  I love challenges as they offer priceless opportunities for growth.  I was once told if you don’t step into uncomfortable situations your growth stagnated.  Hard things are worth doing, and without doing hard things you might be telling yourself “I Would Have, I Could Have, I Should Have”.  Many things are difficult in the beginning. However, if you are consistent in your practice, those experience flourish into something beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artpal.com/jannablackburn
• Instagram: @jannablackburnartstudio
• Facebook: @jannablackburnartstudio