The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Jennifer Sowders
SowdersFostoria OH 44830 United States Home Phone: 567-245-1179 Website: The Art of Jennifer Sowders
Bio
Growing up on a ‘dead end’ road in the county; Ohio-native artist, Jennifer Sowders, grew up spending a lot of time studying nature and it’s indelible thread is noted within her body of work.
Jennifer is a 1994 BFA graduate from the Columbus College of Art and Design. She is a Trustee and Signature member of the Ohio Watercolor Society, Associate of The National Watercolor and American Watercolor Societies; on the board of the Fostoria Area Arts Council and member of the Ohio Art League, as well as many local organizations.
She gained entrance into The 2020 National Watercolor Society’s (NWS) Annual Member Show, as well as NWS 2020 “50 Stars” Exhibition. The latter being quite an honor as two artworks were chosen from each state-level watercolor society to represent their state. Her work has been in the Ohio State Fair, Ohio Watercolor Society shows including the traveling exhibition, as well as many Juried shows throughout Ohio. Jennifer has recently won a 2021 Bryn Du Art Show award.
Although rural, Jennifer opens up her studio: “MONgallery” to the public on MONdays, encouraging visitors to enjoy the woodlands, fields, stream and farm animals along the way. Her work has paired down to two main series/styles: The ‘Hands’ series encompasses a spiritual theme with charcoal, oils and assemblage. “Landscapes” , her specialty, include watercolor, watercolor on YUPO or acrylic showcasing scenes that glow with invitation.
She lives in Fostoria, Ohio with husband, Gary and has 3 sons.
Artist Statement
My love of landscape has developed from the discipline of plein air painting. For me, the immersion ‘in’ the landscape is transportive. Although my presented works are created in the studio, when I hear my viewers say “oh, I want to be there”, I know that I’ve tapped into their need for ‘immersion’ as well.
I am attracted to lush landscapes whether ‘in the wild’ or structured gardens. Within these lush scenes, multiple views of an area become a point of interest for me. Creating works in separate mediums also fuels this. Although I’m not doing diptychs or triptychs, I am understanding the grandeur within a microcosm, like Monet and his repetition of waterlilies. In just a few steps a scene can change so dramatically, so I am drawn to keep the area but with a different view.
I currently paint watercolor on YUPO or acrylic paints. I am attracted to The vibrancy of color and luminous nature that the synthetic paper (YUPO) affords. It also enables me to explore textures, be bold, and achieve the ‘lush’ escape I’m going for. Concurrently, the use of acrylics with palette knives pushes me further into an impressionistic expression with the added excitement of thick texture.
I am drawn not only to the beauty within a scene, but am careful to include beckoning elements of light/shadow, repetition and depth. Scenes chosen revolve around a dance of light and shadow and it’s own sense of invitation to explore; pathways are common to include for this reason. Quiet, hidden, reflective/introspective….lush; these are things I look for. I am polarized by scenes that make me forget my troubles and I feel “enveloped”, even if just for a moment.
Portfolio
Click on image or link to see full portfolio
