Meet Brenda Jones

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an art career because I couldn’t not do that. It is really as simple as that. From grade school on, creating has always been a refuge for me and a way of survival. Making art has generally come pretty easy to me as from an early age I found I could trade drawings for answers to homework in school. I find I am constantly visualizing the next art project in my head while I’m driving, on vacation, in a conversation, swimming, etc. Sometimes, actually, I feel like there are too many ideas. I feel fortunate that I love being in my studio as I can genuinely feel stress evaporate the moment I start working. In fact, I just told my dog, Fritz, tomorrow will be a fun day, we will spend the entire day working in the studio on some new ceramic projects and commissions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work in clay with occasional forays into fibers and painting. I can’t say that I am particularly set apart from anyone else in the arts, but what I can say is that I have a constant and intense passion for what I make. If I am pushed to say what I am proud of in my art work, it is that what I make is directly from my heart, the perceptions and experiences in my life. It is not a copy of the experiences of anyone else. I do have a tendency to overthink situations and events, so there is genuinely always something in my head to draw upon. I want my work out in the public because I love making and want to share it. Has it always been easy for me to get my work out there? The answer is no. For me, it means being organized, patient, outgoing and sometimes pushy which goes against my nature. I work around the fear of failure by just being consistent. I have heard “no” when I approach a gallery or apply for an art exhibit. When that happens, I generally take my dog for a walk, think about it, and realize that I really have learned something from the failure experience and there will be more opportunities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am in Colorado Springs and I think my personal art studio is the best place to be. That aside, leaving my studio I do find listening to the birds at Garden of the Gods is pretty great. Heading south I’d definitely take someone to Sunwater Spa and on to Green Mountain Falls as it is a great art spot. Go through Divide and then to the Orient Land Trust, timing it to see the evening migration of the bats. It is phenomenal. Or if this timing is better, head to La Junta and watch the tarantulas as they migrate across the highway in the fall. Keep going west and stop at the drive-in movie theater in Monte Vista. If it’s spring, watch the sand crane migration. Continue to South Fork and spend some time on the Rio Grande, fishing, floating or taking out a kayak. Then eat and drink at Rachel’s. Drive on up highway 149 to Stony Pass in the San Juans and check out the Rio Grande headwaters. For me, if I am not in my studio, the best times are out in nature and being fascinated by the spirituality and beauty of it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My most influential mentor was my Japanese high school art teacher, Annie Lowrey. She taught me more than anyone about depth and meaning in art. I didn’t really learn how to make art from her, rather I learned what to say in my work and why art is important. Dr. Marilyn Stewart at Kutztown University encouraged me in my teaching career, opening my eyes to the importance of critical thinking, aesthetics and history in the art classroom. Denver clay artist Marie Gibbons introduced me to a most fabulous group of fellow creators. Without a doubt, every student I have had in class has opened my eyes to compassion and different ways of thinking. I once calculated that I’ve had over 10,000 students in classes over the years. That’s a lot of people to thank. Every gallery owner I have worked with has given me encouragement, from Abbey Lane Gallery in Creede, CO to 45 Degree Gallery in Old Colorado City.

Website: www.brendajonesart.weebly.com

Instagram: @brendajonesart

Facebook: brendajonesart

Image Credits
Janey Hubschman