Jeni Follman

The curves and contours of the earth, sky, and human world in general are insatiably seductive to me. It is as if every layer of the visual world drives me to pick up a paintbrush, a stark white, smooth, blank canvas or board and begin to develop a new painting.

Since I was five years old I have wanted to do two things in life— be a mother and be an artist. Now, when I go into my studio to paint, I experience a sense of letting go, of being able to love my work. I start with a naked surface and absolutely no idea of what I’m about to work on. I choose my first color and begin. I experiment with shape and form letting the painting evolve.

During the development of a painting, landscapes, vases with flowers, portraits of people all find their way onto my painting surface. It’s like beginning with no clothes on and painting until I’m fully dressed.