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Sketch: April 23, 2026.
April 24, 2026.
Contemporary work, the abstract, conceptual art is often underappreciated. The uninformed viewer dismisses a given work of art, believing that they could simply paint a simple form, combine given elements or that there is no merit in hiring a team to realize a vision. To truly master any skill demands years of practice, discipline and hard won expertise. It is the result of a life steeped in creativity and the daily discipline of composition, palette, perspective and observation. The exhibition itself is merely the “icing on the cake,” as a prior mentor, Paul Van Ginkel, once stated.
An architect necessitates a crew to realize his vision, from welders, accounting and admin, to framers, roofing experts, dry-wallers, etc… An artist is no different. I learned the hard way that in order to achieve excellence; a team is necessary. An artist is a perpetual student; always looking to expand their tool belt, delving into one media feeds another, as does the feedback, criticism and incite of other artists. However, despite this necessary growth, there are limits to what a single individual can produce alone. Large scale sculpture demands an assistant to ensure safety, longevity and strength. I learned this the hard way when I tried lifting a massive portion of my horse up a ladder and onto its back/head without help. The ladder tipped beneath the weight and I wound up falling off and dropping the massive piece, which could have impaled my figure had I not been fortunate. Another instance involved dismantling a massive drying rack suspended by chains from my studio ceiling. I successfully began to remove the platform in order to make space for a large scale sculpture, when the entire surface came down and cracked me over the head. Needless to say; as a single mother to four beautiful children on a full-time basis, I had to learn to curb my inspiration and acquire assistance in order to realize select projects.
The sketch above is compiled from the hub of a giant tractor wheel I hauled/transported in my minivan and a piece of driftwood I acquired on expedition. I continued to weather the hub outdoors on my property for a season, using her for various projects along the way, until she eventually found her home within this piece. The afternoon light, the palette of rust in conjunction with the aged wood and the shadows created by this piece within this space at this precise angle are absolutely gorgeous. It may have taken but a moment to place it on top, but this piece is the result of countless “sketches” in and out of studio and the amassing of specific elements, objects that carry history, narrative and nuance. My eye is ever searching, my vision always present and my hands work tirelessly to capture and reveal these moments.
Sketch - December 9th, 2025.
There is always beauty to be found, but it takes years of hard work to acquire the eyes to see and reveal it for all the world to see. My hat goes off to the many individuals who persist, support and assist in creating beautiful experiences for the public. It is not for the faint of heart and an absolute necessity.
Art is not a luxury for the wealthy, but a healthy expression of any individual, community and society.
With Gratitude & Love,
Jennifer Peters
