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Mildred Jarrett

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art communicates, pleases, shocks, and influences, but when I began art classes at age 15, these purposes never entered my mind. It was just something I felt compelled to do. My continued education includes University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, Volunteer State, and AFA from Watkins College of Art and Design.

 

As a young adult, I began to sell encyclopedias, door to door, to supplement for art supplies. This necessity evolved into sales management, International trainer, and motivational speaker. The communication similarities were astounding! The success of each is hinged on an ardent desire to reach others.

 

The numerous experiences of World travel enabled me to recognize the diversity of peoples and their art, which is reflected greatly in my work. Usually, there is no subject matter except emotional feelings that surface from the many past experiences.

 

The passion for people and the emotional expression of painting are truly God-given gifts. I suppose the most important aspect of any pursuit is the manner in which it is approached. An honest, sincere spirit will always dominate technique. It is my strongest desire to reach the viewer with a "hold on to your heart" emotion!

 

As an artist, I am willing to make self-revealing discoveries steered by intuition.

 

Does this process into the subconscious take courage? Facing a blank canvas and revealing personal emotions, either consciously or subconsciously, takes courage! Yet, this manner of working is artistic freedom of the greatest magnitude.

 

The many experiences of the corporate world have given me the courage needed to make powerful, personal statements which are more moving than imitating nature. The way I see it, if I can travel over the jungles of Africa in an old DC-3, board a British submarine in Nova Scotia, be questioned by the police in China, slide around a mountain in New Zealand, drive in New York City without directions, I can attack this canvas! 

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