Pasadena Society of Artists

ART JOURNAL Magazine 2006

Jenny Simon, an emotional artist, visually stunning and the President of the Pasadena Society of Artists, agreed to be interviewed for this issue of the Journal. As members of the Society you have undoubtedly met and seen Simon as she orchestrates the board meetings and events. Yet, you might not have had an opportunity to get to know Jenny Simon, the serious professional artist. This interview and a visit to Jenny’s website, www.jennysimon.org, will offer you a glimpse into the artist, Jenny Simon.

LW: Being exposed to the arts seemingly from day one, your father creating wood sculptures in the basement, traveling throughout Europe, attending plays, the ballet and art exhibits how do you feel having had this childhood affects your art now?

JS: I am so blessed to have had that experience as a child. I only saw my world through the eye of an artist. Everything I liked doing had to do with dance, tap, music or painting. Unfortunately the real world looked different. Although my parents always supported the arts they never saw me as an artist and told me that I should look for a “real job”. Well, I had a hard time identifying where I could fit in. The first year on my own I was living in an apartment with no heating system, only an oven. I was poor and could not afford to buy coals to heat the oven. It was a hard time. Then an Airline advertised in the papers and I went for an interview. Two days later I started working for them calculating the trim of each air plain before it leaves the ground. I was still drawing and painting but afraid to leave the security of a stable profession. Not being satisfied I additionally worked part time with different companies in sales, real estates and telecommunications. It took me over 10 years to realize that I am an artist. That is who I am. Being exposed to the arts as a child gave me a foundation that later on I could continue working on. Without it I cannot imagine where I would be today.

LW: Since you were painting in watercolors and acrylics as a small girl, did your parents support your painting as a child or did you find materials at school? 

JS: I enjoyed arts classes at school where I learned the basics and yes my parents were supporting me with materials. I even remember my mother framing one of my big charcoal sketches and hanging it in our hallway.

LW: Are there other artists in your family?

JS: Growing up I always saw my Dad and my Grandpa playing the accordion. My Dad used to play many of the Johann Strauss waltzes at family gatherings. I remember crawling under the dining room table listening while the room would be filled with my relatives singing to my Dad’s songs. When I was 6 my Mom used to make me play those waltzes on piano against my will. Today I am glad she did.

JS: Being able to play an instrument as a child helped me to train my ear and learn music. It absolutely made me appreciate music more at a young age. Yes, music is one of my biggest joys of my life. Music brings me to another level of existence where the clock stops ticking and peace sets in. I am still writing music and I am planning to connect my music with my paintings and releasing a CD.

LW: When did you decide that painting was the way you wanted to express yourself in this life?  

JS: I didn’t decide that. My true self just came through and forced me to stop everything else I was doing including quitting my job.

LW: What artist living or past do you respect?

JS: I love the works of Jackson Pollock and Gerhard Richter and I am still fascinated by the paintings of Carl Spitzweg.

LW: Are there any artists that influence your work?

JS: Probably, maybe unconsciously. I basically concentrate on my own style and grow by trying out new techniques. I am a learning-by-doing type of person.

LW: You are a member of the National Association of Women Artists, National Museum of Women in the Arts and Pasadena Society of Artists.  How did you pick these particular groups to become a member of and supportive of?  And why?

JS: Since I feel very blessed to be in CA, married, an artist, etc., I feel a strong need to give back and support others where I can; nationally and in my new home town.

LW: You donate your art to fundraisers and charitable events often.  What are your thoughts about artists donating their art and time to charitable organizations?  Do you limit how many pieces a year that you will donate to charity? 

JS: I usually don’t limit how many pieces I donate, but I am looking for events where I can identify myself with the need the charitable organizations works for. I think artists are naturally more sensitive in feeling other people’s vibes/needs. We pick up on it because we open ourselves up to receive creativity.

LW: You exhibit your work all over the globe, and in the U.S. from New York to Laguna Beach.  How do you decide which exhibits to participate in?

JS: I normally look for good shows that will represent my artwork well.

LW: What does your studio look like? Lighting? Windows? Mirrors? Office? Color of walls?

JS: I work out of my garage. I love the space, it’s very peaceful. I normally open the garage door half way so that I have the day light coming in but no light reflecting on my work. My office is at home as well. I enjoy working anytime I want to without having to waist time driving to an office or studio.

LW: Most artists have music playing while they work, what typically do you listen to or not?

JS: Most of the time I listen to the radio when I work, but I also like to have the space quiet with absolutely no noise.

LW: Do you work flat or on an easel?  Do you have 2 or 3 easels with work in progress or do you work on one painting at a time?

JS: I usually have 2 to 3 paintings hanging at the walls that I work on at the same time. I don’t use easels.

LW: Your canvases are quite large and gallery wrapped.  Do you do your own stretching of canvas or purchase canvas ready to paint?

JS: I don’t stretch my own canvases. I normally buy them ready to paint. I work mainly with pallet knifes, sponges and paper towels.

LW: When you are searching for the next painting to unfold what goes through your mind?

JS: I try to slow down, become very peaceful and wait for that inner solution to the white canvas. When the ideas begin to flow I start painting.

LW: Emotion is a big part of your work, are you inspired by nature or what you see?

JS: I am inspired by nature and by what I feel. It is in an intimate and meditative moment when I create.

LW: Do you ever have a dry spell and what do you do to break it?

JS: I’ll go to the movies to get my mind off things or sit in the bathtub to wait for inside inspiration.

LW: Looking at your paintings there is one that stands out called “Faithful Day”, the palette used is very different from all of the rest of your paintings, monotone gold’s instead of reds and blues.  It almost looks realistic, like a bank of trees and a lake in the foreground. Can you tell me a little about this painting?

JS: Well, I would like to create a line with just earth tones. I think that’s what happened when I painted “faithful day”. I love bold colors though.

LW: The painting “In The Distance” shows something way off in the distance that looks like a square with 4 panels.  It would be interesting to know something about this painting.

JS: I started those squares a while ago and simply love the square shape altogether. That’s why most of my paintings have a square shape to begin with. I love the difference in between creating a line naturally by hand and the square shape that is not so natural with its sharp edges. I love depth and flatness and texture and smooth finishes.

To me the painting “In the distance” has these components.

LW: Your titles are incredible.  Do you have the title in mind before beginning a piece or do you come to that near the end?

JS: Thanks. The title evolves while working on the painting.

LW: The painting “White Noise” looks just like white noise encroaching into my range of hearing.  How did this piece come about?

JS: I don’t really know. I just tried something new and when it was finished I stood back and looked at it and knew what it was. Everything that I create comes from the inside. Sometimes I try to go a different direction but most of the paintings evolve on their own and in the moment.  

LW: Looking at your more current work it looks like you are changing right now, with the title of your show “What I Want” (Sandstone Gallery, Laguna Beach) and the titles of current work.  Are you experiencing a life change or difficulty that is influencing your work?

JS: Well, I am simply trying to be myself instead of pleasing everybody else. I have been told to change my style or use different materials. I am tired of hearing that. I need to do what I need to do. It is not easy as an artist to find the balance between being yourself and creating work that is pleasing to other people so you can earn a living.

LW: Moving onto the business end of being an artist, your website is really wonderful.  Did you design it yourself or hire someone to handle that?

JS: I designed the web site myself.

LW: The photographs of your paintings are excellent.  Do you do your own photography or who do you hire?

JS: Thanks. I do all of my photography myself.

LW: How do you feel about the festival experience vs. galleries or in addition to?

JS: I think it is very helpful to do both. It is important to have established a good relationship with a gallery that represents your work. In addition to that at festivals the artist gets to talk to their clients, receives feedback for their work and can handle sales themselves. That is a very motivating experience. Just make sure the art fair is not held in the area where your gallery is located. After all, the gallery relationship is vital.

LW: Do you have a business plan that lays out the year and allows for so many festivals and so many gallery showings?

JS: I plan my gallery showings for the year but there are always good shows that come up unexpectedly where I will want to apply.

LW: How do you balance your time between the studio, home, family?

JS: Sometimes it is hard to not let my work take over. I guess anyone who works from home feels that. There is always work waiting to be done, so I have to stop myself at times. I love my family and they come first.

LW: Add into your life being President of PSA.  How long have you been a member of PSA?

JS: I have been a member of PSA since the fall of 2003. 

LW: As President are you finding the job fulfilling and has it offered any advantages to you professionally? 

JS: It is definitely fulfilling and is good training to be more professional in a lot of ways. I didn’t know what was involved in the position at the beginning. You learn while you put your effort into it. I love that. The responsibility of this position makes you walk that extra mile.

LW: What are your dreams for the future of PSA?

JS: I would love to see more museum exhibitions and a gallery PSA can collaborate with. It would also be great if PSA could manage one national show a year. That way we would be able to learn more about artists coming from other states and PSA would be able to expand.

LW: What would you like to see from the members of PSA?

JS: I want to see them grow to be even more awesome and professional. I would like them to be more involved with other artist members and the society. I would like them to understand that every little bit of time they donate helps our society to grow stronger.

Jenny Simon’s current show is hanging from May 30 until June 3, 2006.

“What I Want”

Sandstone Gallery

384 North Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651