My show Still Lives: Jennifer Allevato opened at the Strathmore on March 10.
Inspired by post-impressionism with a focus on color and line over realism, my subject matter in this series varies from flowers to interiors to tablescapes. While I consider myself first a painter, I use whatever medium I feel is best for capturing a piece, often incorporating and layering graphite, paper, and neocolor crayon. I use idealized color and often just suggestions of objects. I like to capture the idea of an object or space without being concerned with precision: my hand and mark is all over my work.
My pieces tend to have an inherent softness and stillness about them; a quiet moment in a loud and busy world. Has someone just approached the space, or are we viewing a scene where the subject has just left? It is a moment, and we are observers. We have been given a gift, a time to ponder: to take in the color, the lines, the quiet. We are not required to do anything. We are given reprieve from our responsibilities and our do-to lists. Here is pattern, here is color, here is quietude; here we can collect ourselves and enjoy the restorative nature of simply being still.
I am so happy with how this show came out! Thanks so much to everyone who attended the opening.
Still Lives: Jennifer Allevato is on display in the Invitational Gallery at the Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland from March 10 - April 29.
Recently I visited the house and gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, an historic estate hidden away in residential Georgetown in Washington, D.C. I was awe-struck by the grounds, so tree-covered among the hills that you forget you're not in the middle of the countryside!
I took several weeks in June and July and experimented with acrylics on raw canvas for the first time. I mostly work on wooden panel and paper in my current practice, and it's been years since I worked on canvas.
After nearly 4 years, I am finally re-exploring florals in a full collection!
