Resolution – Mixed media on canvas

Inspired by the work of Rauschenberg, Perlmutter’s works are subtly built with layer upon layer, suggested forms and texture. Colours and tones smoulder from below, creating interesting and delicate surfaces.

Perlmutter’s work has been exhibited throughout the US and is collected around the Globe. She has been commissioned for several pieces from The Mirage, Hilton in Las Vegas, Seoul’s Traum Haus and Toronto’s Casino Niagara. Perlmutter’s work has also appeared in numerous television shows, such as Brothers and Sisters, War at Home, The Closer, Huff and Heroes.

Continuum – mixed media collage

In her own words

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background and how you became an artist.
My name is Jennifer Perlmutter. I am an artist, mother, wife, entrepreneur, maker, builder, experimenter; I’m curious and creative. I found my way here by way of a Liberal Arts degree, Film and TV production in LA, and a furniture design apprenticeship that evolved into a furniture finishing and decorative art studio. In 2001, I began painting full time and developing my own personal style and expression.
Your images mostly use mixed-media collages with other materials and techniques. Drawing from so many resources, how do you select what to use and what to disregard from your experiences?
Initially I select what to use based on inspiration. What am I feeling in the moment? I believe our points of view – as a whole – are not so far apart. I bring in my feelings and perspective, interpret them into colour and texture. The ongoing inquiry behind it all is “why am I here?” “Who am I?” The idea brings up imagery, colours and layers that I attempt to put into a cohesive whole. As for what to disregard, if it doesn’t resonate truth or feel like it is a part of me – I subtract it. And sometimes, if aesthetically it does not serve the whole expression, it may have to be sacrificed – even if it is my favourite piece of collage or bit of colour.

Taken, Mixed media on panel

How has your work grown and progressed in the last 5 years? Do you feel it’s changed at all, if so how?
The last 5 years have seen the most growth in my development. I found a personal voice, self-referencing, that I had been searching for in years past. And with the help of critical feedback, my process jumped to a new level. I had developed a strong understanding of my mixed materials and all that was needed was a catalyst. The catalyst came on an 8-day art immersion workshop in Taos, New Mexico. Creating without any interruption or expectation other than to play and experiment was the biggest gift to myself. (My mother actually gave me the trip as a gift.) There was no pressure; just freedom to learn. This growth led to more confidence in the studio, which in turn led to more challenging work. I want the floor beneath me to shift – I want to feel a little uneasy in the process and to grow from that.

Which artists and influences have driven your work and why?
Robert Rauschenberg is a favourite of mine, Joan Mitchell, Paul Klee, De Kooning. I love the visceral response I get to RR’s work. I can feel it throughout my body. I love the way he used found material and 3-dimensional objects. Joan’s work is action oriented; the colours and energy inspire me. The first Klee I saw in person was at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice Italy. It was painted on cardboard and had such a naive quality. It was a message straight to my heart that promised it was possible to grow and not have all the answers all at once. And De Kooning is the master of implying figure and object, his colours are inspiring and his paintings are full of emotion.

Climbing – Mixed media on paper

Please describe the steps involved in creating your works? How do you develop your ideas, through to resolved finished images?
My process begins with colour, whether I am creating a piece with collage or just paint. Colour is the first thing to feel. I cover the canvas with marks and colour that depict the moment. I fill in and remove, repeating this process until the clearest bell of Truth resounds. I move through the struggle and problems on the canvas until resolution or abandonment occurs. Over a period of days or weeks, the message of the piece emerges.

What concepts are you currently exploring and what will you embark on next?
I am currently exploring Igor Stravinsky’s, “The Soldier’s Tale”. It’s a musical composition with a narrative that is very intriguing – Selling one’s soul to the devil. The painting will go in an exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum in August. The idea of desire and the paradox of wanting something and letting go of the outcome at the same time will feed the next series that will come from my exploration of Stravinsky’s composition.

Build III – Mixed media on wood

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I see myself with a few excellent galleries representing my work around the US, Asia and Europe. I will have instruction and speaking engagements a few times a year to inspire and teach other creative people. Finally, there would be two solo shows per year and I would be working out of a studio that is on my own property.

From 2001, Perlmutter devoted herself to fine art, exploring metal leaf, watercolour, acrylics and oils. She ultimately found her niche in mixed media on wood and canvas, which she continues to use as her predominant medium today. Jennifer Perlmutter lives and works in the east bay area of San Francisco.    

All images courtesy of Jennifer Perlmutter  | www.jenniferperlmutter.com

A page from Perlmutter’s work journal.

For more information on Hong Kong Art Tutoring please contact:
Gail Deayton
Telephone: +852 9722 8353
Email: gd@gaildeayton.com