Artist Jean Jack has earned a reputation for her unique, and now iconic, rendition of New England-style farmhouses and barns. Although she had no personal experience growing up in or around these structures, she found herself mesmerized by a particular farmhouse in Connecticut while in the early stages of her artistic career. After surreptitiously photographing this structure, she painted her own version and entered it in a competition at the famed Silvermine School of Art in New Canaan, Connecticut. Her competition win affirmed her passion for the subject matter. While subsequently living in Santa Fe, New Mexico she continued to trek hours to America’s farming heartland for inspiration. In addition to pursuing her art, including time spent operating her own art and antique gallery, Jean spent years traveling around the country, supporting her husband’s military service and career and raising four children. She and her husband, Claude, eventually settled here in Maine. Learn more about Jean’s creative journey through her conversation with Dr. Lisa Belisle on this week’s episode of Radio Maine.

In the field of computer science, abstraction refers to the process of taking away, or removing less relevant characteristics, in order to get to what is most essential. Using that definition, Jodi Edward’s life, like her art, has been a process of abstraction, leading to her current existence on a bucolic family farm in Surry, Maine. Jodi traces her journey from an education at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, across a trajectory of varied experiences, including waitressing, singing, teaching and posing as an art model. The energy of her courage, and willingness to engage and take risks, shines through her colorful, ebullient pieces, creating a manifestation of abstraction that is entirely her own. Join our conversation with Jodi Edwards on today’s episode of Radio Maine.

Matthew Russ, Portland Art Gallery Artist

Jean Jack, Portland Art Gallery Artist

Read what the New York Times says about the Portland Art Gallery.