For artist Jenn Falcon, all it takes is a handfull of colored pencils, a sharpener, an erasure, a keen eye for observing nature, and patience to build up multiple layers of color in her drawings. ArtSake recently caught up with Jenn and asked her to tell us about her drawings and the inspiration for her subject matter. Below are her thoughts about her work.
I’ve lived in different parts of the country where I’ve been lucky to explore, sketch, photograph, and research the landscape. There are many plants, animals, geologic formations and other wonders to see. Now that I’m back home, I’m also finding natural beauty right here in Worcester and around New England.
Last year, ArtsWorcester agreed to show my work, and I received a grant from the Worcester Cultural Commission to put it all together. I included some of my photographs with basic information about the subjects of the works in hopes that people would be inspired to get out and experience these special places, maybe even try to protect them.
Of course, it’s impossible to recreate actually being there, and it’s different for everyone, so sometimes I add patterns and other designs that go along with the visual geometry of the scene or express temperature or sound. Some animals are depicted whimsically to express their liveliness. Then I combine it all to create pieces that express some of the spirit of what they represent. This year, the Worcester Public Library has agreed to let me show the work for the month of June in its main branch where it will reach a wide audience.
California Condors: Arizona and California
In 1987, due to poaching, lead, pesticides, habitat loss and other human causes, only 22 of these birds were left. Today there are 332, but their future is still uncertain. Shown clockwise from the right are 3 of their homes, Vermillion Cliffs and Pinnacles National Monuments and Grand Canyon National Park. The drawings depict Pinnacles and the Grand Canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon or Tse’ bighanilini, LeChee Chapter, Navajo Nation
The canyons name means “the place where water runs through rocks”, and that is how it was formed. Water continues to flow through and change the smooth sandstone contours. The canyon is protected by Navajo Parks and Recreation, and can be visited by guided tour.
Green Hill Park, Worcester, Massachusetts
The land for Green Hill Park was sold to the city for half price by the Green Family in 1903. It is now home to a surprising variety of wildlife for an urban park. Several trails crisscross it including the East Side Trail which connects it to Bell Pond/East Park. City parks are a haven for us all. We must protect them from dumping, litter, illegal vehicles, intrusion, and misuse.
Image Credit: All images courtesy of Jenn Falcon.
Michelle says
Wonderfully imaginative artwork! Thanks for sharing. Photography is outstanding.
Jenn says
Thanks. 🙂