We were lucky to catch up with J’Atelier9 ™️ recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, J’Atelier9 thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
All life is risk.. So taking a risk to leap into an ambitious endeavor as a sustainable artisan visionary became a natural risk for me.. where fate and intuition would allow my imagination to flourish..
In fostering a sustainable discipline and movement, there is the inherent risk in transforming my ideas and concepts into unconventional mixed mediums and pushing boundaries outside the confounds of traditional fine art.
Frequently, I feel inspired by infusing salvaged elements and commingling reclaimed materials with contrasting textures to tell a story..
There are bundled risks throughout my process. Experimenting & conceptualizing my pieces are part of that layered risk. As a sustainable artist, risk is inevitable.
I have forged my eco-artistry brand to seek unsuspecting narratives, enlighten the human spirit, and capture experiences..
There are always an unspoken questions. Will the patrons and collectors connect with my vision, my narrative, my execution? The risk in showcasing the art can be chilling, invigorating, frightening, exhilarating, terrifying, yet touching.. Will they get it? Understand it? Hate it? Therefore, I am perpetually risking.
J’Atelier9, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Artistry runs within my family. Growing up as a poor immigrant from Hong Kong with limited means, I gravitated towards drawing, painting, fashion, and design. My Individualistic style is part of my essence and distinguished expression.
I, Janine Tang, grew up in the greater Los Angeles area, graduating from UCLA. After working s a real estate broker, I reinvented myself and founded my artistry brand J’Atelier9 ™️ to infuse sustainability with Arte Povera and Pop Art movements into my repurposed mixtures of artisan vision.
J’Atelier9 ™️ defies boundaries of convention and thrusts towards what can be oddly striking, yet powerfully avante guard by meshing the ever changing aspects of cultures, society, communication, and expression.
My works are known for their fusion of whimsical, disruptive mixed media chaos, and unconventional composition.
This past summer, I exhibited AIR-ENERGY at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum for the 22nd Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition curated by Julienne Johnson, where my artwork is included in the permanent museum and corporate collection of International Art Exchange’s Chairman, Professor Katsu Shimmin.
J’Atelier9 ™️’s SPRINKLES DIPPED LOLLY was showcased at Gallery 825 for the SuperSense exhibition, curated by Cynthia Pena.
TRIGGER debuted at Burke Triolo Studio for a juried exhibit at the 98th Anniversary Benefit Auction for Los Angeles Art Association, selected by the LAAA Exhibition Committee & auction house partners.
J’Atelier9 ™️ artwork were also exhibited throughout Southern California at J Alley Studios, Huntington Beach Art Center, Laguna Art Gallery in 2023.
SWISS VALAIS exhibited at Yerevan Art Expo, curated by Narine Isajanyan. It is part the permanent collection of Karen Demirchyan Museum in Armenia.
In 2022, SELF OPTIMISM debuted at Sasse Museum for the SeeMe exhibition juried by Deena Capparelli.
J’Atelier9 ™️’s BLEW BLEU was selected as the top finalists in 2 categories for the Touch of Blue International Expo.
In being involved in a multitude of publications spanning locally, nationally, and globally, I was featured on the portrait series interview for VoyageLA, The series expanded on my environmental responsibility within my eco-discipline in fine arts. My audio narratives have been featured in The Adriot Journal & Full House Literary in the UK.
IG: @jatelier9
Website: https://altamira.art/
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The truth about being an artist is that you must be able to be handle rejection, face constant criticism, and judgment. My journey has been unrelenting.. although it may not be apparent from the facade.
When I was accepted by the panelists at the Los Angeles Art Association, I naively thought I would quickly be acknowledged & recognized as a sustainable fine artist with J’Atelier9™️..
Honestly, I jumped in with both feet; no thought in checking the temperature of those waters. I had no idea about the financial burden, rigorous investment demands, pricey supplies, required materials, membership fees, association dues, exhibition costs, application fees, studio expenses, etc, that would ensue..
The insurmountable amount of debt can drown you quicker than a rip curl. If you’re not running your creative endeavors properly, you can sink abruptly .. You must sell your works at a determined price and know your worth.. factoring, in as far as your concept, preparation, time, process, energy, materials, artistry.. I’ve had to say no to lower price negotiations and it’s difficult when you’re motivated to get your work on the walls .
I realized I had to be particularly selective with my shows, exhibitions, participation, and time.
Truthfully, I’ve had countless rejections, discouraging acceptances with required payments for participation. The ecosystem is flawed with a Pay to Play model. You question yourself, your direction, your vision, and your pursuits.. You develop a callousness and continue to persevere..
Within the borders of my restrictive budget and a lack of a great patron or foundation to support my vision, I’ve spent tremendous effort on creating alternative opportunities to advance my artistry exposure and recognition.
I’ve showcased , exhibited, and been publicized with a multitude of platforms and venues. There is a pressure to build up your CV and resume. In pivoting, I decided to invest my resources into more international museum opportunities for gaining global exposure and international recognition.
I’m proud to have debuted AIR-NERGY at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, curated by Julienne Johnson. That opportunities lead to other wonderful ventures.. I call them unexpected gifts..
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission and eco-movement into a sustainable discipline by utilizing repurposed, recycled, reusable, reclaimed materials was driven by our dire need for a circular economy and disrupting the traditions and predictability within fine art.
My unconventional processes & elements may not be universally accepted, yet it’s what distinguishes me. I want to showcase the peculiar, the questionable, the innovative, and the clash an “Eco-Art Forward”movement..
It’s important to remain authentic and stay true to the environmental responsibility in my mission. Times change, Art changes, people change; yet the sustainable discipline within my artistry will constantly remain..
I am thrilled to invite all art enthusiasts, patrons, and collectors for my upcoming solo show at the Glenmark for February 2024! Please feel welcome to celebrate my solo art exhibition on opening night!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://altamira.art/users/jatelier9
- Instagram: @jatelier9
Image Credits
Studio photo shoot by IG: @joannemattillo