Jeanette recently had this mixed media piece in the show about remembrance Skulls and Roses at Artworks Downtown. Our Lady of Borders and was inspired by reliquary and shrines and what we hold in our hearts. Below is her Artist Statement for the show.
Front of Reliquary:
“Oppression breeds revolt; and as a breed of men and women grow wiser and ponder through the ages, the time may come when even hopeless revolts will succeed beyond hoping.”
Great Women of Antiquity, (Boadicea), by Clement Wood
The pandemic was a time of deep reflection, evaluation and questioning. It brought to mind our connection/disconnection; our boundaries and what were we willing to include in our ever-shrinking sense of community; and our relationship to our society and our global responsibilities. Though I don’t consider myself a political artist, I found myself questioning the choices that were made on my behalf and questioned if those choices reflect my values and did the choices I make truly support the greater good for humanity? What are boundaries; personal boundaries and are the boundaries we create for our protection, or from our fears?
I view my role as an artist from a tribal perspective, where the artist, healer and shaman are one. So, my position is to present questions that evoke perspective evaluation. Does the belief support the values; values support the action; and/or the action support the greater good for humanity?
As a Mixed Media Artist (AKA alchemist), the choice of materials influences the direction of the creative dialogue. I approach each piece by auditioning materials and as the piece evolves, a secondary message emerges as the metaphysics of the materials create a sub-text message. Using found objects brings a deeper inquiry to what an object represents and how it is placed within the piece. Working with interiors and exteriors allows me to evoke additional inquiries. The juxtaposition and tension amplifies each component and each object can add a deeper meaning to interpretation.
Our Lady of Borders: A Reliquary of Boundaries
Mixed Media (with interpretations)-hearts (what’s written on the heart- open heart and sacred heart), keys (unlock), watch parts (time-time running out), mica (recognize flaws while remaining in a loving space), rust (a measure of time), emergency blanket (molded by heat to form interior heart), holy water font (preparing to enter the sacred space) and found objects (just because they are).
Jeanette Monterio
Skulls and Roses, Artworks Downtown
JeanetteMonterio.com
MFA, BA from San Francisco Art Institute
Jeanette is a Bay Area resident and currently shows her work at Art Association Napa Valley. In her studio in Novato, California, she can be found auditioning her collection of relics as she creates the next alchemical question. Her work has been acknowledged and awarded “Best in Show” and “Jurors Award” and “Honorable Mention” and Napa Register has written articles about her box art. (see JeanetteMonterio.com for details).
Artist Quote: “I have no answers, only questions and if I can pique your curiosity, my job is complete.”
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Albert Einstein
