Conversations with an Artist: Jean Jack

Jean Jack_Painter
We have long admired Maine-based Jean Jack's paintings in the design office and home of her daughter and interior designer Kress Jack. Jean's artwork conveys the quiet dignity of architectural shapes as she rearranges them, tries them out from different perspectives, composes them in varying color relationships, and emphasizes the specific beauty of different forms. She loves these buildings for their imperfections and idiosyncrasies; and it is both impossible and unimportant to know exactly when or where these places exist, because they are creations of the artist. We are thrilled to bring Jean's inviting work to Poet and/the Bench.

8 QUESTIONS

Describe the moment you realized art fed your soul.
I have always been an artist, starting as a small child when I drew on paper at my grandmother's house.

What themes do you pursue in your art?
I am interested in weathered barns and farmhouses.

Jean Jack Painting_Elegant Simplicity

Jean Jack_Elegant Simplicity
Elegant Simplicity, 36x48 | Sold

Tell us about what influences the direction for your artworks.
LIFE

How has your work developed over time?
I have become more minimalistic.

Jean Jack_Roseberry Farm

Roseberry Farm_Jean Jack_Poet and the Bench
Roseberry Farm, 48x48 | Sold

What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
Large brushes

Do you collect anything?
Small antique birdhouses

What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen, read, watched or listened to recently?
I can’t really think of just one thing that inspires me. I see things all the time that make me think about my work. I guess the most inspirational would be an old farmhouse in Maine that I have painted many times. 

What advice would you give to your younger self about your artistic journey
Just keep going. Let your eyes take you on this journey and be open about it.

Jean Jack_Exquisite Farmhouse 1

Jean Jack_Exquisite Farmhouse_Painting
Exquisite Farmhouse #1, 22x54  | Sold

Jean's oil paintings of barns and farm houses, while based on photographs she takes, are a shift in perspective through the exquisite arrangements where the buildings fit themselves into the landscape, and the sky fills in the spaces between the two. We're smitten. See them in-person, give us a call or see Shop for buying info.

Follow this link to view Jean's available works for sale at Poet and/the Bench. Check out our Jean Jack Fine Art page to view other paintings sold to get a feel for her varied inspirations.

See you soon,

Bonnie & Jeffrey

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hello@poetandthebench.com | 415.569.4383 | 11 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941