Lucy Jenab is an art student at Emporia State University. Her emphasis is painting, often focusing on themes of nature and the supernatural. She uses a variety of materials to achieve a lively and engaging body of work that captures both the beauty and the power of the natural world.
Artist Statement
My paintings are an outlet of my perspective of the natural world. I draw viewers into a mystical place, which focuses on creatures I invent. Generally, I focus on human-animal hybrids, with some exceptions. I often choose subjects many find unsettling or creepy. I love these creatures and everything they represent. So many folklore stories tell of nature guardians or justice for the weak who have been wronged. I find strength in each character I design and power in the worlds I create for them. Being alone in nature is the closest thing I have found in this world to magic, and painting makes me feel like I am part of it. I feel both at home and completely out of my depth when I stand alone at the center of this earthly magic. I can capture that feeling more aptly in paint than in words. It’s deep within, and I believe every person should experience it. It’s a reminder to take a second look at the mundane and to appreciate what we take for granted.
My work involves quite a lot of paint - I build in layers and allow it to form organic textures on large canvases. My palette is far from limited as my initial stages are done with small miscellaneous bottles of cheap acrylic. Because of this, pockets of bright color appear as I carve away at the surface. As the top layers are usually dark, these glimpses of vibrance add a bit of light and whimsy to otherwise moody work. I find that this process of layering and scraping adds to the aura I envision for my paintings. Because they are so focused on organic settings and creatures, my style is also loose and expressive. When I am in a creative flow, I find the feeling very similar to the one I am trying to capture.