Belton’s vibrant abstract paintings are defined by their colour, form and expertise …
What inspires your art? I’ve always trusted instinct over instruction. Not going to art college allowed me to keep a sense of play and curiosity in my work; painting never felt overthought or over-analysed. I’m drawn to everyday objects, interiors and flowers because they carry memory and emotion, and through colour and abstraction I try to reimagine them as something joyful, slightly unfamiliar and open to interpretation.
Who or what was a formative influence on your artistic journey? Growing up, my parents brought me to galleries on weekends and many of our holidays were built around art. I absorbed their tastes for classical and post-modern art. They also invested in art in a fairly significant way, so the house was adorned with Irish artists‘ work.
My work is informed from not only the artists I admire but also interior architecture, ceramic and textile art. I also love graphic design from the ’60s and ’70s. Because I’m pretty much entirely self taught, I lean on self-education to a degree which means I’ve spent many hours doing research.
How would you describe your style? Realism–based abstraction in that I take inspiration from real life, but I try to push objects outside their natural form and logical perspective. Use of vibrant colour and juxtaposition of complementary colour is a central part of my approach also. I try to invite the viewer into paintings with the use of symbols and motifs. I’m very interested in symbology and the mystical.
I knew from the outset that I wanted my first solo exhibition to be grounded in the still life realm. The title “Still Between” draws on the the idea of taking a still life and transmuting it beyond its represented perspective, and using shadows and negative space in a less conventional way. Many of the pieces are floral and drawn from 1960s textile design, but there are a number of broader works that contain familiar and nostalgic domestic items.
Where do you work? I work between two spaces currently: a garret-style studio in an attic and my kitchen table. I’m very much guided by my family routine. I have two boys, so I need to be adaptable throughout the day as I spend a lot of time catering to their needs. I use Pinterest and Instagram for visual references often, but I will also use colour reference books and old graphic design books.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out as an artist? Keep going despite knockbacks. There are many impediments to developing an art career, but I think it’s a case of making as much output as possible as it really is the only way to develop. Having a thick skin when it comes to criticism helps too. I know more than anybody that my work will not appeal to everybody, so if you attempt to listen to all dissenting voices you’ll be confused and disillusioned. It’s important to have a good sense of self. It’s also helpful to look at what other artists are doing, but important not to get distracted from your own artistic voice.
Need to know: Jenny Belton’s exhibition “Still Between” is at Gormley’s Art Gallery, Dublin 2 until March 23. @jenny_belton_art
