Inside the Studio: Jewel Starz.

Creating art takes more than talent and inspiration, it takes time and space.  Every artist’s space is as unique as the art they create.  And that’s what makes the FREE Washington County Open Studios tour unique, too.  You get to visit the artist and see them create in their studios across Washington County. 

Today, you can get a quick inside look into one of our 41 artists on this year’s tour.  As well as an insight into their art process and what you might see on our tour, October 17^th and 18^th.

Jewel, can you describe your studio to us?

“A brand new studio was built this summer on the acreage where I live with gardens, llamas and chickens! I have been using a room in the basement of my home as my studio space and the light is not the best but the cool temperatures allows for working at any hour.

I am looking forward to the "LIGHT" in the new studio and views of the gardens and pond. I also plan on teaching classes this winter. I would love to share time with others at all skill levels and just enjoy each other’s company, as studio work can be such a solitary endeavor.”

When you begin your work, what inspires you, Jewel?

“What has been my most recent inspiration has been returning to Oregon, my home state, and falling in love with the colorful spring landscapes of my childhood again. I have travelled and lived from Vermont to California, Alaska to Florida and with family in B.C. Canada. Recent discovery of The Group of Seven landscape artists of the 1930's (Emily Carr an unofficial member) inspired my recent return to painting after a 25 year absence in my life.”

Jewel, how did you find your way to art and what obstacles did you overcome?

“My aunt Adele, also a kindergarten teacher, encouraged me from a very early age. She even kept a drawing for me that I have to this day. It is 60 years old.

My childhood was full of trauma and tragedy and this world of art has been a life line of hope and joy in those times and in my adult life. My loss of my home in Vermont to foreclosure and being homeless led me back to my art after 25 years. This was the blessing before me. I have come back home to where I am most alive and happy and the landscape before me is ready to paint!”

When people come to your studio, Jewel, what will they see you doing?

“When you come to my studio I will have up to three paintings in progress. I paint in layers and take photos as I go to record my experience. This process of layering of the acrylic paint is where I learn and see what is possible. This is where the greatest enjoyment is for me. I watch as several paintings (layers) take shape into one final piece.”

See Jewel’s art and get inspired October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm during the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

Where Do Artists Make Art?

The artists on this year's Washington County Open Studios Tour create in many different media and many different kinds of studios.

Some artists have studios in their kitchens.  Patti Issacs works in her upstairs room studio with acrylics and handmade papers but uses her kitchen to create with silk paints.

Some have a separate studio structure on their property.  Jewel Starz has a newly built studio on her farm surrounded by dogs, llamas and chickens. 

Some create art in their dens. Evelyn Fritz has two areas to work in her home.   She works in her encaustic corner and a space that overlooks her patio.

Some make their work in their basements. Linda Gerrard creates her fused glass pieces in her daylight basement.

Other artists create in the garage.  Susan Gallacher-Turner throws porcelain on a wheel in garage, right next to the car.

Some artists have the world as their studios.  Chris Goldthrope takes his photography outdoors and his favorite place is the ocean.  But during the Washington County Open Studios tour, he’ll be showing how he edits his work in his in-home studio.

Inside or outside, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm.  You can learn more about the artists and their art on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

How do artists create art?

JoAnn Pari-Mueller painting

How do tubes of paint, brushes, canvas or paper become a painting?  What happens to a lump of clay on a wheel that turns it into a porcelain bowl?  Why do the layers of colored wax stick to the canvas?

This is the magic of creation, experimentation and experience that turns ordinary materials into art.

And this year, during the Washington County Open Studios Tour, 42 artists will let you see the magic happen right in their studios.  All across Washington County, artists will be opening up their studios and giving you a chance to see the process of making art. 

In Hillsboro, you'll see Tim Gabriel bend steel into intricate shapes.

Patti Issacs will be painting on silk in Aloha.

In Beaverton, Peg Silloway will weaving colored threads together on a loom.

Virginia Parks will be melting wax into colorful paintings in Tigard.

In Forest Grove, Paulina Kriebel will be making wearable art clothing.

Les Dougherty will be turning native woods into bowls in Gaston.

In Portland, Jo Reimer will be using papers, paint and more to create mixed media collages.

And JM Starz will be painting in acrylics in Sherwood.

There's so much to see!  And all for FREE!   So make your calendar for October 17 & 18th.

For more info on artists and tour map click on this link or go to www.washcoart.org