Artist: Jana Wilson with Vintagia Memphis
Artist Bio: Jana Wilson creates art from found, broken, or discarded items assembled in unexpected ways to tell visual stories. Often irreverent and amusing, her pieces come from a place of nostalgia and vintage style.
Repurposing found treasures has been a lifelong adventure for Jana, but it was not always something she called "art." The title of "Artist" seemed like an exclusive role, reserved for those who had training and were well versed in more mainstream, recognized forms of art.
Seven years ago, Jana was asked by a local vintage/art studio to share her assemblages in her first solo show. It was at this point that she acknowledged herself as a "REAL ARTIST."
She has wasted no time becoming part of the vibrant arts community through pop-up markets, group and solo exhibits, and Arkwings, a non-profit promoting mind, body, and spirit wellness through the healing power of arts and nature. She mentors and encourages others to explore their own means of self-expression, especially focusing on those from her community who may not have opportunities to engage in art and cultural activities
In October 2023, Jana was selected as a River Arts Fest Emerging Artist, an honor that illustrates that her journey is in full swing!
Jana's CSA Goal:My goal through the CSA is to acquire the training and equipment needed to photograph my 3D artwork so that it can be shared with a broader audience.
People love engaging with my assemblage pieces at markets and exhibits. Almost everyone is drawn to something that sparks memories and nostalgia. They whisper, giggle, and share stories evoked by my quirky pieces. I want to give that experience to more people by adapting my original assemblages into prints, cards, and other 2-dimensional media, which will be more widely accessible. I am excited to see more people enjoying my unique style of visual storytelling.
Long term, I have dreams of creating series of works that engage people multi-dimensionally. I envision creating immersive spaces in which participants experience art all around them (think circus carnivale; 3D road trip collages from history-rich locales). I want people to feel, to laugh, to be uncomfortable, and to remember. Most of all, I want to share the curiousity and excitement that I experience when objects catch my eye and their stories unfold in front of me.
Jana's Shares: "We're Not in Kansas Any More" Set of 6 Greeting Cards
Share will include a set of 6 premium-print photo greeting cards, with envelopes. Each card features an original artwork from my recent series of Wizard of Oz themed 3D art, a quote inside, title and descriptive information about each art work on the back.
Share to be picked up locally: $20
Share + packing and shipping via USPS: $25
Shares can be purchased until June 15, 2024.
Follow Jana online!
Website: www.vintagiamemphis.com/
Instagram: @vintagiamemphis
Facebook: @vintagia.mem
About the CSA
Each year the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council challenges creative entrepreneurs to formulate a goal for their business and to use the CSA to achieve or move toward it. Creatives use the CSA to share their story and invite people to support their growth as artists and entrepreneurs.
Similar to Community Supported Agriculture, this program asks early investors to support artists by buying shares that artists will deliver by the end of the program in June. Supporters order shares from January through June, and participants must have their orders completed by the end of June.
When you purchase a share, you are not only receiving a unique item, you are supporting the growth of small businesses in your community. You can follow your arts entrepreneur from the initial idea through the creative process. Connect with the unique stories that define our community!
#GrowingSmallBusinesses #GrowingOxford
