Meet Jen Jamē

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Jamē.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
It all began when Mo-Mo, a full-time artist, who used to babysit me. To keep me busy, she would bring out all of her art supplies, give me some pointers, and I would go to town. Every visit to Palm Springs, on day 1 Grandma Jean would take my cousins and siblings to the grocery store and let us choose one coloring book each. We would wake up every morning and color. In high school, every chance I got, I opted for art electives (drawing, painting, design class, screen printing, and ceramics). I went on to take interior design courses in college which taught me dimensions and how to draw straight lined without rulers. Art has always been a part of me.

On one Venice Beach visit, I became mesmerized with the small mosaic artwork that a local hippie was selling on the boardwalk. It became mine, fast. I hung this beautiful tiny mirror on my bedroom wall and looked at it every day for weeks. My eyes were open to a whole new world that I never considered. Soon, I researched and purchased all of the material and tool necessary to pull off my own unique mosaic art pieces. After many missteps, I finally found my way.

Please tell us about your art.
Growing up in Santa Monica, California during the 80’s and 90’s has played an extensive role in my artistic inspiration and style. So much of my art is motivated by my experiences on the West Coast, living by the beach, listening to grunge musicians, spending time in Catalina and Hawaii, riding my longboard, appreciating the creativity in graffiti, and being different.

If I can take an old picture frame, mosaic it, and return it to someone who can then put a meaningful photo inside it…that’s beautiful. If I can upcycle a worn-out patio glass clock and transform it into a gorgeous piece of mosaic art that tells time, it’s more than a win-win. Being able to use a new or reclaimed piece of wood, draw on it, carve it however I want, sand it down, hand-cut pieces of stained glass, glue them down purposefully, grout the front and sides, and stain the back…that’s amazing and that’s art and that’s FUN.

I want people to have art in their world. It’s time the majority decorate their home with meaning and who they are rather than what everyone else is; family photos and original art Vs family photos and wall decor from the home chain stores. Art pieces tell stories and life is way too interesting to have the same walls as our neighbors and our neighbor’s neighbors.

Life is art and art should be part of our everyday life.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
As a long-time artist who is just emerging professionally and publicly, I cannot judge how the conditions are for artists are today. So far, I can say that being an artist is 100% hard work and is 100% worth it.

Cities like ours can help artists thrive by sharing their stories, sharing their artwork, and featuring them in publications such as VoyagePhoenix. Everything helps! Art shows such as RAW Artists welcome underground, emerging artists to showcase their work and be comped for their booths for ticket sales. More organizations such as these would benefit so many artists.

The more people consider real local artists for their decor, the better and more creative an entire city would be. For example, every business wants to present their logos in their storefronts….why not pay an artist to recreate a logo in a more beautiful and impactful way. They would most likely pay the same or less for something that is better and far greater in value.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My upcoming exhibitions will be announced via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jenjamemosaics

My website will be updated with current and past work to show people what I art I currently have available, demonstrate what I can do for people who would like similar and custom work. Commissioned work is welcome!

People can contact me at 480-363-4833 and jen@jenjame.com to inquire and discuss custom requests.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenjame.com
• Phone: 480-363-4833
• Email: jen@jenjame.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenjamemosaics
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenjamemosaics
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenJameMosaics

Image Credit:
@arizoniacs

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