Inspiration comes from everywhere…sometimes in small doses, other times in overwhelming waves of glory. The latter came in a funeral home. Well, what once was a funeral home – now it’s the Gallery on Newcastle.
We were on our way home from a glorious few days on the Georgia coast and my mental sketchbook was full of images: of skies, driftwood, fences, moss-draped trees, architectural elements, and more. A stopover in Brunswick, Ga led us through neighborhoods of beautifully restored homes, shopping areas broken by delightful parks, and some interesting shops.
I loved all the shops, bought things in a few, but when we entered The Gallery, I knew I was somewhere special.
The entry was intriguing with a display including a beautiful book of portraits of marshes. I knew immediately that would be a purchase. Jimmy G and I had just been talking about the serenity that comes with a view of the marshes while the marshes themselves are constantly changing.
A greeting, an exclamation of wonder at all this building held, and then the realization that we were talking to the artist. The ARTIST in this place. Janet Powers had not only painted the oils inside that book, but she had made the assemblages and the sculptures and the mixed media paintings that filled the space. There were pieces by another artist or two; but by and large, the work was hers.
The most intriguing pieces of Janet’s work that drew me in closer were her houses…well, that’s how I saw them. I’m not sure she calls them houses, but they are magical boxes with doors and drawers and curtains and filled with fascinating things. Some found objects, some past sketches, some reworked pieces of art exploration. And each one tells a story. And each viewer sees her own story in them. At least this viewer did.
As we toured the massive space, Janet answered my zillion questions and quickly saw what intrigued me and filled in details. She allowed photos and gave me permission to share the visit with you. My words and photos will just give you a taste of her fabulous work. You must plan a trip for yourself!
In her studio (formerly the room where bodies were prepared for burial), I saw the usual fascinating array of easel, paints, and brushes. And on the wall, I saw Italy. Those paintings were done when she was teaching there in the 90’s.
I asked about her beginnings as an artist and learned that she trained to be a nurse, then explored drawing and painting. Some of her first work as an artist was designing cross-stitch patterns. She had some of her leaflets and worked samples on display. I’ve done my share of counted cross-stitch, and let me say these are stunning! It’s easy to see that Janet had an understanding of color from the beginning.
I couldn’t absorb all the inspiration that the gallery held, but I did love soaking in what I could.
Janet has done several pieces using textiles, some are pictured here, yet others are in the gallery. Of course, you know I was drawn to those, but it was her mixed media pieces, the dimensional collages in glasses and boxes that raised my heart rate.
I found everything Janet has made to be rich with its own story. But talking with her and sharing our enthusiasm for communicating through art was really empowering. I know the visit will make a difference in what I create and how I think about making. You just never know what encounter will change you.
Janet’s website is https://janetpowers-artist.com. There you can learn more and be inspired yourself. But there’s nothing like a visit to see her work in all its detail!
