J E N N A N O R T H
The Thermal Expansion/ Rooftop Ocean project encompasses many aspects of my work.
Natural forces and the representation of storms at sea have a long tradition in the history of painting, and I am interested in how my process converses with that tradition. Waves, in the form of resonance found in nature and the visual patterns they form, continue to drive much of my work. They have taken many expressive forms, shifting from algorithm-based grey-tone paintings to chaotic fields of ethereal oscillations to vertical bands of acrylic-striated vibrations that form waves both as illusionistic and three-dimensional form. Currently, the waves manifest in weather systems and storm frequencies, as seen in my series of weather paintings. In this work, all of the previous forms of waves have found a point of intersection. I have discovered a correlation between my painting process and the meteorological attempt to predict weather. Much as an atmospheric scientist or geo-engineer would use charts, graphs, symbols, and equipment to identify and forecast patterns based on past trends, fluctuations, and chaos in the weather, I am systematically attempting to control and forecast the flow of paint while simultaneously embracing chance and orderly disorder through several processes, including: gravity paint pours and pools, painting directly on water, heat, and utilizing the elements--wind, rain, sun and ice. In these elemental compositions, I am aggressively juxtaposing mathematical/digital forms with organic fields by piecing these different paint forms together into small, complex collages and ambient abstract video, as well as large paintings that reference a landscape that often symbiotically shifts to a celestial space.
"I have an affinity for showing work in public spaces because I believe that bringing art outside of the gallery walls offers a diverse public an unexpected encounter with the work. This project will encompass an active, living ecosystem that is directly affected by the weather. "
Jenna North
2011
Some of my work can be viewed here:
www.jennanorth.com
http://www.micaela.com/north.html
