The Daily Muse: Jennifer Joanou, Visual Artist

Jennifer Joanou creates visual journals and altered books utilizing mixed media and collage techniques. A graduate with a BFA in Fashion Design from Otis College of Art and Design, her work is a culmination of more than 25 years as an artist. This work began when she was a teenager and sewed her own clothes, then continued when, in her early 20’s, she became a prominent Los Angeles designer. Her women’s wear was popular with Hollywood studio executives and was sold in Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman and Fred Segal. In 2004, she began creating art journals and altered books that incorporate her love of personal expression and all of her past mediums including fabric, photography, paper and paint.

Her studio is in Pasadena, California where she lives with her husband and three children.

To learn more about Jennifer, to purchase something or to see even more of her amazing work, follow any of the links below:

WEBSITE | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SHOP

If you would like to take a workshop with Jennifer, she will be at Art & Soul Retreat in Virginia Beach in October (October 1 – 4)

Live Your Questions – Art Journaling

Who are we and who do we really want to be? Rainer Maria Rilke wrote
“Live your questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” In this process oriented one-day workshop for all level students, we will explore the questions that help us find out who we are and who we want to be. I will start by asking questions that will get you writing in your journal. Then, using mixed media techniques with paint, paper, pens, pencils, stamps, stencils, etc. we will create layers, much like we are made of many layers, to express ourselves creatively. In addition to the mixed media techniques, I will share some ways to incorporate your unique lettering into your spread. This time is for you; it is a safe place to make mistakes, try new things and experiment with your creativity. Join me in living your questions now! Click here to read more about this workshop.

Creative Women Run Wild! – Art Journaling

Want to run wild for a day in your art journal?! In this one-day workshop, for all level students, I will guide you through my process of art journaling and help you find your own unique visual voice. I will use stories from Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés Ph.D. to inspire our journal page spreads. She says that a “woman’s flagging vitality can be restored by extensive ‘psychic-archeological’ digs into the ruins of the female underworld.” Come dig with me, explore, experiment, play, take risks and see what you find. We will combine writing assignments and various mixed media techniques using paint, paper, stamps, ink, etc. to create layers and help you find your true voice. In addition to the mixed media techniques, I will share some ways to incorporate your unique lettering into your spread. The magic is in the process! Click here to read more about this workshop.

Dare Greatly! – Art Journaling

Come “Dare Greatly” with me! Brené Brown says “All of us were made to make things.” I agree! In this one-day class, for all level students, I will use quotes and questions from her book Daring Greatly to inspire your work in your art journal. We will explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, being seen and taking risks. I will give writing prompts and ask questions that Brené Brown asks in her book as a starting point for our journaling. I will share various mixed media techniques using paper, pen, ink, stamps, stencils, tape, etc. to help you explore, experiment, play, make mistakes that turn into treasures. The magic is in the process where I’ll guide you to your interior self, which allows us to see what exists within. That discovery helps us figure out what we need to live to our full potential in a satisfying and meaningful way. I hope you’ll “dare greatly” and join me! Click here to read more about this workshop.

For more information and to sign up, please visit the Art and Soul Retreat site HERE.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]