Jennifer Bothast

I have always been fascinated with the way light glows through stained glass. I remember being a small child and walking along the rows of stained-glass windows in church and being moved to tears not only by the storytelling of the stations of the cross but by the transcendent beauty of the art. I then recognized this same filtered light as sunlight through fall leaves on a gray day, or the dazzling reflections of dancing light on ocean waves and river streams. Regardless of the form it takes, I have always been excited by light.

 
My artistic journey has been a deeply personal exploration of searching for this purity of light, lyrical line and layered translucence as an expression of connection, love, and the profound search for oneness. Through abstract painting, I strive to capture the essence of hope and light, translating complex emotions into vibrant canvases. My work is characterized by bold colors and dynamic movement, created through a deliberate use of line and spiral compositions. My early training at a magnet arts high school and Ringling School of Art and Design, and years of experimentation, coupled with invaluable workshops led by Jeanne Bessette, have been instrumental in shaping my unique artistic voice. Bessette's guidance helped me find my own style and approach to painting. Inspired by the pioneering works of Kandinsky, Hilma af Klimt, and Franz Marc, I seek to transcend the limitations of representation, delving into the spiritual and emotional core of human experience. In a world often overwhelmed by pain, oppression, and loneliness, my art serves as a form of prayer, a testament to faith, compassion, and empathy, as well as a focus on the energy of connection and unity. It is a way for me to beat back against the darkness and find solace in the beauty of creation. Through my paintings, I hope to invite viewers to share in this journey of hope and connection.