I am
I was born in Mississippi in a town called Picayune, a word that means among other things “insignificant”. No doubt I was bruised by this association. I left Mississippi when I was twenty-one and spent years in gypsy mode, in search of a calling that was never quite clear. I’ve lived in big cities, small towns, north and south, on both coasts, in the desert, and on an island. I now reside in the former fourth grade classroom of an old Catholic school in Portland, Maine. That I ended up on the geographical edge of the continent seems fitting. I’m blessed to live in a walkable city surrounded by water, a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic.
I’ve been working with my hands in various capacities since I quit high school. At 29, I earned my GED and later a B.A. in creative writing. My background in cooking and artisan baking introduced me the pleasures of simple, fresh food. Since 2002 I’ve made a livelihood building and restoring stained glass windows. Working as a baker and glass artist enlightened me to the meaning of good craftsmanship and the effort it takes to acquire it. I bicycle everywhere, dance salsa, contact improv, and generally love to move. I enjoy making beautiful new things and old things better than before.
Janie-
Naomi showed me your blog. Was just looking at the drawings of the tree you’re doing for the church and was reminded of an idea you had of tattooing a tree from your pelvis up the belly. The drawings look just like I imagined the tattoo would look like when you described it 10, 12 (?) years ago.
Katie (from cfb)
katie
July 4, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I just love learning the background on Jane! You brought such a fresh breeze through the stagnant art scene on Peaks. We have you to thank for the Gem rolling. It has gathered some fuzz and lint lately, but I hope it will continue to morph to greater potential. Keep up your brave work, with bare hands and open heart!
Jamie Hogan
October 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hi Janie,
Enjoyed your blog, esp the images of your stain glass process,
like the newly arrived glass…first got your url/blog info
from…your Mom!! We are friends from ‘Barryville’. I love your
folks (and Scott!)… and they have added alot to our time up there, albeit not enough, as they’re…and for that matter , we’re… not up there enough…..Also pleased to say they’re collectors of my work.
Needless to say was very pleased about that. But anyway, your
Mom sent me your info, and really enjoyed looking at your ‘leaf’
stain glass series. If you look at my site, you might see some
affinities, in the simple shape orientation, and of course the color.I’m a green fan too! Keep up all the good work and hope
sometime to meet. oh…ps have some lovely painter friends in
Maine: Kate Beck outside Brunswick..(her blog….http://katebeckstudio.blogspot.com/) and Grace de Gennaro in Brunswick. best!! Julie Gross
Julie Gross
November 20, 2008 at 10:17 am