JanineMavesArt

			A r t i s t ' s S t a t e m e n t

			Like dreams, my art is drawn from what I have been reading, where I have been walking, conversations with friends, music and ambient noise. The process of making art is simultaneously meditative and spontaneous: touch the paintbrush to silk and watch the color flow; move the images around the collage, draw in details, and the meaning becomes clearer. One piece inspires the next. I tend to work narratively, contrasting modern culture with ancient heroic ideals. In my work, I am always aspiring to wed themes from history with a more personal iconography. When my work is abstracted, it is usually based on forms and colors in the natural world. I’ve experimented with products and fabrics over the years, keeping abreast of the new processes enabled by so much new technology. I have honed a personal style that is both elegant and simple.

I enjoy working in many media, and have sold and exhibited metalwork, sculpture, collage, and paintings on silk and canvas. Under the name Althea Peregrine, I am the sole creator of silk paintings to wear and to hang. Silk painting is an ancient art: people have been painting on silk longer than they’ve been painting on paper. The process is similar to other types of painting, but is most like watercolor. Most of my work incorporates the French serti method, in which form is defined by drawing a resist line and color is applied with a paint brush. Due to the very thin nature of silk dyes and the transparency of the silk, there is no room for error — once you start, you must work quickly to keep the color flowing before it dries. Other textile processes, such as batik, allow one to work in color layers, so there is more flexibility to alter the color and composition as you work. I also use silk screens, stencils, and pattern stamps of my own design, or use actual leaves and insects found on walks. Silk is a protein fiber, like hair, so a little gentle care is all it needs. I use professional silk dyes, which are steam set or batched for colorfastness, and can be safely washed or dry-cleaned. In the process of its creation, each piece has been washed at least twice. My study of art history influences much of my work, taking up themes from ancient rock art or figures from iconic artists juxtaposed into new compositions. I enjoy using found objects and recycled materials, and representing them in new contexts, so that their original purpose is not immediately apparent. I think of my works as meditations. Over the years I have learned that, for me, creativity is as necessary for my mental health as is hygiene to maintaining physical health. In addition to teaching, being well-traveled and well-read keep me open to fresh ways of seeing the world and channeling that experience into my work.


		home
		portfolio
		statement
		resume
		contact
		links to online shops
		Janine Maves, art
		Althea Peregrine, silk painting