Waimea artist J. Jay West released a series of highly textured abstract oil paintings as part of a challenge undertaken this fall with 70 other artists from around the world. West’s online show, “Standing Still Miniseries,” will be featured in a virtual show which opened on December 15.
Waimea artist J. Jay West released a series of highly textured abstract oil paintings as part of a challenge undertaken this fall with 70 other artists from around the world. West’s online show, “Standing Still Miniseries,” will be featured in a virtual show which opened on December 15.
The series of 10 is created on wood panels 8 inches by 8 inches each. Each painting reflects a beach from an aerial point of view. The “Standing Still” collection is an awareness statement on climate change and its effects on our oceans.
“I think we’ve reached a tipping point in terms of the continued degradation of our environment, and I think we’re standing still in terms of leadership in the world to do what’s right for the future of humanity. We can go one way or another, ”West said. “I have always been inspired by the ocean and the ever-changing waves. I am fascinated by the translucent and sparkling color palette found when viewing from the shore. I challenged myself to create these small works because all of my works are much bigger.
West’s current body of work has evolved over the years. She handles wet pulp processed from newspaper, brown bags and office paper to mimic ocean waves. Sometimes she will affix foil-lined tea bag wrappers fashioned from traditional Hawaiian tapas beaters. Recycled plastic from the packaging of hearing aid batteries creates abstract coral reefs.
West is an award-winning Hawaii-based artist with over 40 years of experience creating unique art. West is well known for using non-traditional art materials that keep paper, plastic, and glass from entering our island’s overcrowded landfills. She served on the Recycle Hawaii Board of Directors for 10 years and was the first resident artist in Hawaii County Recycling Centers. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas.
For more information, contact West at [email protected]
