Meet Josephine Tournier Ingram | Josephine Tournier Ingram | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josephine Tournier Ingram and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josephine, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

Being born into a family of artists, creativity is in my blood, as my 8-year-old says. I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating art. As a child, art was my therapy and sanctuary, especially as academics were a struggle. I could lose myself in my drawings and thrived when creating art in any form. My art provided a peaceful retreat and brought me an indescribable joy. This joy has remained with me throughout my life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to live a creatively fulfilling life as an artist.

My creative process is deeply rooted in the inspiration I draw from my surroundings. I primarily work with acrylic on large gallery-wrapped canvases, as well as Japanese watercolors with graphite on paper. The vivid colors and textures of nature in Santa Barbara, California, where I reside, profoundly influence my work. I find myself perpetually captivated by the ocean and the Rocky Mountains, where I spent my childhood. Additionally, my art is imbued with influences from places where my family resides, such as Hawaii, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and New York City. The effervescent lights and textures of these cities, combined with the majestic mountain peaks and the ever-changing tides, fuel my creativity.

Over the last twenty years, I have developed a distinctive texture in my paintings by meticulously layering new works over older paintings that were created in different styles. This practice has evolved into a meditative process of building layers, akin to adding layers of experiences and memories to my life’s canvas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Recently, I have chosen to dedicate my career exclusively to creating fine art, focusing on abstract and abstract impressionist paintings. My work has been showcased in various exhibitions, including the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art and the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Santa Barbara, California, among others.

My favorite current experiences are when I have the pleasure of working on commissioned pieces for art buyers and collectors. My approach is to create several variations for clients to choose from, facilitating a collaborative and low-pressure experience. They select their favorite piece, and I retain the remaining works to either display in exhibitions or make available for purchase on my website. It’s a fantastic way to find motivation! I take immense pride and joy in knowing that my clients often acquire multiple pieces to create cohesive art collections in their homes and businesses.

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?

Colorado is where my roots are. I was born and raised in Frisco, and it’s such an awesome place. Whenever I visit my family, we’re always out and about. In the summer, we’re hiking and biking, taking in the beauty of the Rockies. Come winter, it’s all about skiing. A-Basin holds a special place in my heart because that’s where I grew up ski racing. But I gotta say, skiing at Beaver Creek with family and friends is something else. Steamboat and Aspen are also super cool spots I’ve recently fallen in love with.

Now, heading over to Santa Barbara – there’s a ton to do. The beaches are amazing, and I love grabbing a surfboard and hitting the waves. There’s also plenty of hiking trails, and if you’re looking to get active, the yoga classes and hip-hop cardio dance classes are really fun. Plus, let’s talk about the food and wine. Santa Barbara’s got some fabulous cafes and restaurants – I love Merci and Handlebar and Loquita, to name just a few. If anyone needs recommendations, I’ve got a list ready to go!

In a nutshell, both Santa Barbara and Colorado are not just incredible places to live or visit, but they’re also huge sources of inspiration for my artwork. They’ve got this special blend of natural beauty that just speaks to my creative side.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

• A heartfelt thanks to my college art professors, Tony Askew, Sue Savage, and Scott Anderson, who not only mentored me but have continued to provide encouragement and support over the years.

• I am continually inspired by my artist family members, such as Almut Flentje, who is based in Berlin, Germany.

• I also cherish the support and camaraderie of my friends and the art community in Santa Barbara, CA.

• Last, but certainly not least, my deepest appreciation goes to my family. My husband and children have been my pillars of strength. My husband has always encouraged me to pursue my artistic passions and dreams without any pressure to monetize my art.

• Together, these individuals have been invaluable in my journey, and I am eternally grateful for their influence and support.

Website: http://www.josephinedesign.com/

Instagram: @artistjosephine

Linkedin: Josephine Tournier Ingram

Image Credits
Photo by Jennifer Yau photography