Fruition, in conjunction with Leah Macdonald’s Fuse Studio, was created as a residency program to help artist in need studio space and equipment to complete or further a body of work and be supported with guidance, time, and the tools needed to create or complete their project. Jenn Adam’s exhibition “Encaustic Layers of Time: An Autobiographical Journey“ is the first of two projects selected for the program in 2024. Jenn’s exhibition is discussed in this GalleryTalk with gallery directors and Leah Macdonald.

Artist Statement

My artistic practice encompasses my photography, collage, and encaustic beeswax to explore personal themes and convey emotions. Drawing inspiration from my lifetime of memories, my work delves into autobiographical narratives, intertwining elements of beauty and anguish through layers of transformation. By relinquishing control and embracing spontaneity, I make my own distinctive mark on each piece, giving rise to one-of-a-kind creations using photography, mixed media, and encaustic.

While residing in a New York City studio apartment, I grappled with shyness when venturing out to capture street photographs. In the process, I discovered a solution for expressing my artistic vision: I became the model myself, portraying various scenarios. This was before the digital photography era, hence my creative process relied on spontaneity and resourcefulness as I often used a broom as a stand-in for myself to achieve focused images. By taking control of my appearance, my self-portraits became a means for me to explore and communicate aspects of my identity that may not be readily apparent to others. It was around this time that I became familiar with the work of Cindy Sherman, whose film stills greatly impacted me, as well as the aesthetics of film noir.

Since I explore themes that are based on my real-life experiences in my art, it was through my discovery of the work of Sophie Calle that I have found additional inspiration. Two of her pieces particularly resonate with me: Douleur Exquise, about the pain of a breakup, and Rachel, Monique, an installation eulogizing the death of her mother. Drawing from my own influences, my artistic exploration ventures into a broad spectrum of personal subject matter. Among these are vanity, performance, female empowerment, bliss, timelessness, and sensuality. Additionally, I examine the intricate complexities of trauma, sexuality, mental illness, and the specter of suicide. While my creations are not exclusively images of myself, they possess a deeply intimate essence that narrates stories closely intertwined with my own experiences. Having battled Fibromyalgia for nearly a decade, I undergo moments of relief and light amongst physical pain, darkness, and isolation which is often reflected in my artwork.    

Working with encaustic and photography has most recently become my preferred medium as it brings an element of unpredictability and spontaneity to my work, and I find great pleasure in embracing serendipity. By utilizing melted wax, I create unique patterns and textures that add depth and complexity to my photographs. Collage and the use of various techniques, such as scraping, carving, incising, and embedding items turn my encaustic photographs into one-of-a-kind mixed media objects with longevity and resistance to deterioration.

The emotions and experiences captured in my artwork primarily resonate with women. Whether exploring personal struggles or those related to femininity, my work aims to connect with those who face similar challenges. In my compositions, there is often a dichotomy that emerges as my personal trials coexist with the presence of flowers, symbolizing the transformative power to turn pain into something beautiful. Through artistic expression, I aim to empower and inspire others to embrace their unique stories and discover beauty amidst adversity.

Jenn Adams
April, 2024

Bio

Jenn Adams was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from New York University with a double major in Art History and Classical Civilization. Continuing her education, she pursued a Master of Arts degree in Studio Art through a collaborative program offered by New York University and the esteemed International Center of Photography in New York City including a semester spent abroad in Paris.

Throughout her artistic journey, Jenn has passionately explored book arts, printmaking, and mixed media art while integrating her knowledge of photography. Since completing her Master’s, she has showcased and sold her artwork in conventional and unconventional venues across the United States. Jenn has earned honorable mentions for her notable accomplishments in photography through two juried online shows: Virtual • Visual by Women in Photography International in 2004, and Art of the Flower by the Medford Arts Center in Medford, NJ in 2021. She is a featured artist in Julie Chen’s publication, 500 Handmade Books Volume 2, and her artist’s books have been acquired by distinguished institutions, including McCabe Library at Swarthmore College, W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library at The University of Alabama, and Butler Library at Columbia University. In addition, she has taught continuing education classes in mixed media at the JCC Manhattan and Manhattan Graphics Center, both located in New York City.

After living in the New York metro area for over 30 years, Jenn relocated to central North Carolina in 2017 where she was juried into the respected Orange County Artist Guild in 2020 upon her first submission. Amidst the global pandemic, she seized the opportunity to participate in Zoom classes and delve into the world of encaustic art, incorporating photography and mixed media techniques. Her intrigue and dedication to this art form endure to the present.

website: www.jennadamsartist.com
instagram: @jenn_adams_artist

link to online exhibition