In the Studio with Artist Janelle Washington
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Janelle Washington. Washington’s solo exhibition, Quiet Terrors, Quiet Joys is currently on display in Chesapeake Arts Center’s Gallery 194 from July 26 - September 4, 2023.
Janelle Washington is a paper-cut and silhouette artist from Richmond, VA. Using paper as a medium, Washington unearths forgotten or untold stories that highlights the struggles and perseverance of Black people in America. She explores themes of history, identity, family, and feminine beauty in Black culture.
Quiet Terrors, Quiet Joys - delves into the complex and often misunderstood realm of mental health. Inspired by mental health's invisible yet pervasive nature, Washington created an anonymous survey to gather first-hand insights from individuals. Using the information from the survey, she translated the participant's emotions into visual representations of an insect or small animal. The chosen creatures serve as powerful metaphors, embodying the emotions and struggles of the participant's unique daily experiences.
“My hope is that by shedding light on mental health, I can promote a greater appreciation for the complexities of the human mind and encourage conversations that lead to healing and support.” -Janelle Washington
What is your inspiration/motivation?
Stories, stories I hear and stories that I read.
This project was inspired by my experience having COVID and reading a book called “The Boy with a Bird in his Chest” by Emme Lund. It inspired my thoughts on general mental health as well as my own mental health journey. I began to visualize art that goes with the book as I was reading. It made me ask myself, how do you visualize mental health for others to see and understand? Because mental health is invincible, how do you create a visual representation?
What is your creative process like?
I begin by visualizing ideas in my mind. Then I do some research on reference photos that can help me understand the sketch. Once I get an understanding of those patterns and designs, I begin to start outlining and sketching the blueprint for my cut outs. I pull patterns from smaller shapes and enlarge them. I start out with my original sketch, then I scan and digitize that sketch– where I am able to manipulate and personify it, before printing and redrawing the outline.
The process typically takes 2-3 days to actually cut. The larger the pieces are, the easier it is to cut. Smaller details typically take more time. I usually put a movie or a show on and just sit and focus on cutting.
What is your goal/purpose for your art practice?
My goal is to retell a story that has already been told, but in a modern way. Stories and themes that may have already been learned, but telling it in a way that makes sense for the current future. I believe that art at its core is expression and storytelling. Even though we come from different backgrounds and different experiences, storytelling is a point of connection where we can identify with our human commonality with emotions.
