About the Artist
The Photography of Jeni Gray
I've decided that it is important to update my portfolio every year, therefore giving myself the opportunity to recreate myself regularly. That's what we do as artists anyway, right? We create new images, new designs. See things in a new way, improve our skills, recreate our work.
In 2006 you saw new images from me. Some from film, some digital. Some were transformed in the darkroom, and others through the computer software.
I wrote poetry from a new and different perspective.
I opened the Artist Collective Dancing Moon in Hoodsport WA. Jan. 12th.
In 2007 I created some new digital images and visited new places. I decided to put my images on canvas for a new look.
I built the gallery reputation and added an espresso bar. Coffee and art, just seemed fitting.
Also in 2007 I went international! My "Seattle Waterfront" shipped off to Japan in November, and in December I qualified for an exhibit at Upstream People Gallery in the 5th Annual Color: Bold/ Subtle Juried Online International Exhibition, where I won Sprecial Recogition for "Girasole".
In February of 2008 I announced the closing of Dancing Moon. It's now time to devote my creativity to my own art. But, I have to keep my hands in some kind of community project, so I am going to run the Saturday Market for the summer in Hoodsport.
All my experience and knowledge gained up to now is valuable, but what's next is more important. I am always learning new things, new ways of thinking, getting new ideas. The journey is exciting.
I invite you to recreate yourself often.
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
JENI GRAY
RECEIVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Artist JENI GRAY of LILLIWAUP, WASHINGTON has received a Special
Recognition Merit Award for her artwork in the "10th Annual Faces Juried Online
International Art Exhibition” hosted by Upstream People Gallery.
This international exhibition received approximately 350 entries from around the
world and 71artists were selected by the juror Larry Bradshaw, Professor of Art at
the University of Nebraska at Omaha, U. S. A.
Professor Bradshaw states this about this specially recognized work:
JENI GRAY of Lilliwaup, Washington brings various approaches to the
subject of faces. Especially striking is “Duncan” with the long hair,
manly chest and a rather refined and delicate hat - all rather
engaging to say the least.
The exhibition will be featured online through March 31, 2008 at
www.upstreampeoplegallery.com and continue for 12 months, closing
February 29, 2009.
Further information about the artist’s work in her own words:
"As is usually the case, "Duncan" was one of over 30 images in this
particular shoot. An experiment in film and composition, which took
several local ribbons, has to date been one of my best portraits."
A picture with more information about this work can be downloaded at:
http://tinyurl.com/3al8sh
Upstream People Gallery
5607 Howard Street
Omaha, NE 68106-1257
shows@upstreampeoplegallery.com
402 991 4741
Background:
BA Liberal Arts The Evergreen State College 1985 - 1989
Portrait Studio Manager Seattle 90-91
Cove Gallery owner-operator 1992 - 1994
Freelance photographer 1990 to present, awards include Best of Category, First and second place. Also volunteer work for United Way, Senior Center, etc.
Stringer Writer 2004 to 2005.
Lifetime Poet, first published 1969, awards include Best of Show, first and second place.
First published book of poetry and photography 2004.
Listed in Marquise Who's Who of American Women, since 2000.
The Dancing Moon Art Gallery in Hoodsport, WA. on the Hood Canal. January 2006 to February 2008.
CAMERAS:
Nikon D40X digital with 18-50mm, 70-300 and 28-80 lenses.
Nikon FE 35mm film with 50mm and 100mm lenses.
Nikon N55 35mm film.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Can you see in two-dimension? Cover one eye and you can imagine your shot. Through experimenting with different formats and equipment brands over the years I’ve learned that it isn’t the equipment you use, it’s how you use it, but mostly what you “see” through it. I’ve taken photos all my life, since I was six years old. It’s been my life long fascination, frustration, passion, and challenge. It is my path this time around.
I earned my B.A. in Liberal Arts through attending The Evergreen State College from 1985 - 1989. It was there that I refined and defined my skills. Through several “Independent Contract” programs that I designed myself in the second half of my education, I focused on portraiture, design concepts, and technique. I also gained valuable skills in communication, writing, and personal development, throughout my education.
After graduating from TESC, I spent two years in Seattle doing portraiture, but far more enjoyed the following two years owning and operating my own gallery in Shelton. There I experienced the artistic freedom I had always longed for. I promoted other artists through shows and art events. I joined the local art clubs and the City Art Commission where we created the first Art Walk for Shelton in 1993.
I moved out to the Hood Canal in 1995 where I lived for ten years exploring nature photography and web building to promote my art. With a full darkroom for black and white and my computer for enhancement, I created new and exciting images. I published my first book of poetry and photographic images in 2004, and promoted it though local book signing events and wholesaling to retail shops.
My next adventure took me to live in Port Townsend for the summer of 2005 where I explored the architecture for my next collection of images. It was my "great summer vacation".
Upon returning to the canal in early 2006, I opened the Dancing Moon Art Gallery in Hoodsport, utilizing all my education and experience selling other people's art in a Co Op environment.
Jeni Gray
