Jennifer McIntyre

TILT!
What happens when perspective tilts?

The traditional still life changes dramatically as surfaces, objects and spaces relate in new and unfamiliar ways.

Add a lively colour palette and varieties of pattern along with a trip to the florist’s shop and my new still life paintings have an energetic, surprising and playful presence.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I was born into a family of artists. On my father’s side of the family there have been generations of professional artists: illustrators, sculptors, painters and stained glass designers. My grandfather’s studio was fascinating to me — the paper, paints, the smell of turps and linseed oil, the paintings and illustrations in progress.

Fortunately, my parents fostered my interest in art. As a teenager I attended the Vancouver School of Art Saturday classes and the Banff School of Fine Arts. At the University of Victoria I trained as a teacher with a specialty in Visual Arts and English. I started teaching high school when I was 22.

Of course, once in the classroom I found that there were huge gaps in my knowledge. I added courses in Graphic Design, Photography, Ceramics, Drawing, Printmaking and Painting. Eventually I completed an M.Ed. at the University of Oregon in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialty in Community Education.

I taught in my own classroom (Grades 8-12 and Advanced Placement) and for several years was a ‘helping teacher’,  working with many elementary teachers in their classrooms, as well as presenting and organizing workshops. I retired from my career in public school teaching after more than 30 years. For the last few years of my career I taught at the University of Victoria in Art Education and supervised pre-service student teachers. I also taught at St. Michaels University School, (K-5) and at the Senior School. I have now taught Visual Arts at every grade from Kindergarten to 5th year university (and adults in the community). In 1991 I was named ‘Pacific Northwest Art Educator of the Year’ by the National Art Education Association (U.S.).

I spend as much time as possible in my studio. I work in Mixed Media, Acrylic Painting and Printmaking. I have always been interested in design and have been enjoying working with pattern and colour in still life. Each painting is a puzzle to be solved: the colour combinations and choices, contrast of darks and lights, exploration of dominance and subtlety, consideration of nuances of composition are all challenging. Of course, trying to take an original approach to the subject matter is especially important. Each painting presents its own challenges and is made up of a long ‘series of corrections’ until it is complete, interesting, original and satisfying.

I have now exhibited in many locations: hotel residencies, restaurants, galleries, community art centres and studio tours.  I have also been a member of the Oak Bay Arts Advisory Committee.  I am represented by ‘The Gallery at Mattick’s Farm’ and have a line of ‘Colourways’ greeting cards on sale in several locations on Vancouver Island.  

www.jennifermcintyre.com         @colourways_art