Jennifer Droblyen’s exhibit on the 8th floor, site #113, represents her second participation in an ArtoMatic.  Her first was in 2009 at the Navy Yard site.  She repeats what you’ve heard from many of the interviewees:  “I come back for the energy and for the comraderie that is shared among the artists.  It’s a great feeling to know that you’re not working in a bubble.  Local artists come out of the woodwork and it’s exhilerating to see all the wonderful concepts and imagination that comes from our area!”

When Jennifer was small, she says she would drag a large tin full of crayons around the house – so she’s been making art since she was very little!

This year, Jennifer is showing a range of mixed media pieces which represent her most recent work.  She notes that she’s been working with wax and enamel which are new mediums for her.  “I was wondering how they would be received in the general public and figured ArtOMatic was the best place to guage a reaction!”

“I attempt to create work that is hardly recognizable and abstract, but based on the natural world, applying a macro lens to detritus and organic matter, bringing out the beauty through saturated color.  I have been taking more photographs lately – initially to provide ‘sketches’ for my paintings, but now moving towards photography, incorporating photos into my mixed media work directly.”

She is showing a range of sizes on her wall, and decided to sell them via a silent acution.  She hopes it will give viewers an opportunity to purchase something small or spend a little more for a larger piece.

If she hits a slump, she finds that signing herself up for a show forces her to work, and she then just moves on through.

In general her favorite  artists are:  Mark Tansey’s inspired brushwork and the ability to push/pull space within a monochromatic piece; Marc Chagall’s paintings for their whimsical content and color; and Daumier – “the light that he incorporates through his dark pieces are stunning!”

At ArtOMatic her favorites include James Halloran, Becca Kalem and Jason Alexander.  “All very solid artists.”

Although Jennifer is taking a break and does not have any upcoming shows to share [yay!  that means no slumps in sight!], she will be participating at a festival in Sterling, VA on June 30 at AAAA Storage.  You can also find Jennifer on her website:  http://www.droblyen.com; Facebook:  www.facebook.com/droblyen; and Twitter:  @droblyen.

To read more interviews and see more photographs from ArtOMatic 2012 and earlier ArtOMatics, go here.