Artist Profile: Jane Davila

Jane Davila Ridgefield CT www.janedavila.com

1.  Describe your signature style in 5 words:  graphic, stylized, linear, organic, simple
 2.  Do you ever work in another medium and, if so, what is it and what appeals to you about it? I started out as a printmaker and often returned to printmaking or incorporate the techniques into my fiber and mixed media work. I adore the process of printmaking, the layering of plates of color, the way it shows the hand of the artist, and the ability to make multiples or variations. I also create digital collages and have begun to use these in my work.
 3.  What's coming up for you in your artistic world? A new book is underway! Plus I'm working on a line of large-scale, hand-printed textiles to be used for home dec applications. And I'm developing the prototypes for a furniture line I've had in my head for years - small occasional tables with a modern ethnic inspiration.
 4.  Do you have any studio rituals? I love listening to the Worldbeat channel on Pandora. I try to leave one table cleared off and ready for action for the next time I'm there so I don't fall into my bad habit of "procrasti-cleaning".
5.  Who has inspired you on your artistic journey? My father-in-law, Alberto Davila, was a big influence on me. He was a well-known abstract expressionist in Peru and he shared a lot about his work ethic and how to comport oneself as a professional artist, all of which made a lasting impression on me as a young artist. He went to his studio 7 days a week. I remember asking him what happens when he gets there if he doesn't feel like painting. He replied that this was his job and it was his responsibility to take himself and what he does seriously so that other people would. Showing up every day was a big part of that. If he didn't feel like painting there were always a lot of other tasks to do - stretching canvas, taking photos, cleaning brushes, etc. "Showing up to do the work" became my mantra.
6.  What are the 5 essential things in your studio that you cannot live without? Music, icy cold water, gel medium, light, paper towels
 7.  What is on your design table right now?  A ton of kits for the Create Mixed Media retreat in Chicago. And a lot of sketches for new fabric designs.
 8.  How do you juggle your artistic life, family, friends, etc?  Not well! I don't sleep much and I always feel behind. I need one day a week that no one else knows about, haha!  Being a freelance artist/author/editor/designer means that I'm always working on multiple projects with multiple deadlines. I love what I do and wouldn't trade any of it but it would be great to have a true day off once in a while or to feel partially caught up on everything.
 9.  Do you have any studio companions (human or otherwise)? Daisy, my Norfolk terrier rescue dog, is my studio buddy. She has a big comfortable bed in one corner and a few toys that we toss around when I need a break. She's very supportive of my work and is a good listener. :)
10.  What was the biggest challenge in creating your piece for Reflections? I worked with a cotton voile as the background for the first time. It was a bit of a challenge to paint the background ombre to match what I saw in my head and I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.