I am so at peace working to create two and three-dimensional expressions of my thoughts, memories and concerns. I simply love to do the work and it’s a trip when another person connects with one of my pieces.

I have taken some continuing education classes at the University of Memphis, the Memphis College of Art and the Lugar Foundry, I consider myself mostly self-educated by trial and error and pure desire since I’ve had so little formal education in the arts. I spend a lot of my time visiting museums and art galleries, reading about the lives and work of other artists and actually working on a painting or sculpture.

I’m greatly impressed with the raw, impressionistic sculptures of August Rodin. Henry Moore’s drawings and especially his sculptures have had a tremendous influence on my work. I love how he was able to create mass in even a very small sculpture while remaining true to the material. One can just feel his love and awe of the organic world in his work. I find myself drawn to the mysterious/spiritual aspect of tribal art. The writings of Robert Henri, Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Carolyn Myss stimulate a creative energy in me.

I’ve taken a step back from sculpture for the time being. For years it was my primary focus but lately I’ve been enjoying the exploration of acrylics on canvas. I’ve completed all my commissions and am finally free to explore my own work. I wondered what would happen if I approached the canvas with no idea as to where to begin and simply just began. The results so far are the paintings that I’ve named my ‘Intuitive Series’ because I’m having to let go and trust my intuition. I find it is a delicate balance of being in control and being willing to let go at the same time, to step back and see what comes out of me. I admit it is scary to fly this way but at the same time it is very exciting.

address:
2180 Cumbernauld Cr. W
Germantown, TN 38139

phone:
901-497- 0813 home

email:
jpetrin1@comcast.net

medium:
sculpture, acrylic