Jennifer Campbell

Home: Ottawa, Ontario
Title: The Shopper
Media: Oil and Acrylic / huile et acrylique
Dimensions: 54 x 44 cm
Website: jracampbell.com

I have always been fascinated by human nature and our relationships with each other, as well as our place in culture, history and society. As such, my current work examines the interrelationship between culture and the individual. Within the context of our consumer culture, my interests lie in exploring the symbolic meaning of “style” in the construction of identity. Fashionable consumer goods are a way of telling the world who you are, or who you wish to be.
Anxieties of self-image is pervasive in the relationship between the artist and the sitter, portraits allow for an examination of the layers of personal identity. These layers are made up of how we see ourselves, how others see us and what we aspire to be.

I have been working primarily as a portraitist for a few years and my artistic practice is influenced by many artistic styles from Gothic to Pop art. I am inspired by the graphic qualities of both commercial and folk art and I use acrylic paint for flatness. My figures are built up slowly in layers of oil paint, reflecting my admiration for the Old Masters.

EDUCATION:

2008 B.A Hon, Art History, Carleton University (Awarded 2006 LD Burnett Scholarship for Art History)
2000 B.A., Sociology, Bishops University

Advanced Standing coursework for Studio Art Diploma Ottawa School of Art
Many courses and workshops at Ottawa School of Art since 1995 – focus on drawing, painting, printmaking

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

2003 Painting Instructor H’Art of Ottawa
2003 Committee member H’Art of Ottawa

Portraits in many private collections.