Sunday, November 14, 2010

JERI FELIX

"Blue" acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"
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In 2005, I received a postcard in the mail announcing a new show by a local artist. That postcard still hangs on a wall in my home today, a testament to how much I admire the work of Jeri Felix. I got a chance to visit Jeri at her studio and learned a lot more about her.
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Resourceful is how I would best describe Jeri Felix. She's a fervent shopper at thrift stores where most of her clothing is bought. Jeri has also supported herself by making art and selling antiques, among other things. So, while living this frugal life, she considers herself extremely blessed as she is able to concentrate on her artwork.
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Jeri received her MFA at the University of Cincinatti and has taught art to all ages -- preschool and up. My ears perked up when she told me about how she traveled to New Mexico, staying for months there and making art while camping on Sante Fe Mountain. She also has some great stories about her many antique finds.
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It's Jeri's color usage that has really hit me, though. The color combinations in her work are captivating--and yes, Rothko is a definite influence, as well as Cezanne. The color in Jeri's work, however, is clearly her own choosing, her own level of saturation, and part of her own personal artistic journey.
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. "Summer Nights" pastel on paper, 18" x 26"
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A small acrylic on canvas.
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.Pastels in the flat files.
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"Violet Sky Orange Moon" pastel on paper, 18" x 26"
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. "Tye" pastel on paper, 18" x 26"
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Another view of the flat file.
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A pastel from another series of Jeri's.
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A small pastel nestled in a nook.
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This is an example of some new territory that Jeri's exploring.
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More work by Jeri Felix can be found at her website, jerifelix.com.