We’re looking forward to introducing you to Janis Commentz. Check out our conversation below.
Janis, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Once I am in front of a canvas or an inviting landscape, with a paintbrush or pencil in hand, time flies. A creative act, like prayer, unites one’s mind and heart. The expression that appears on the page is part of something deep inside of me. When I observe a figure or a building, I focus on details and how they are interpreted on the page. If I am seated at a café table or inside a cathedral, I tune out distractions as much as possible and focus on the relationships of the view in front of me. In the studio, music, an auditory novel or podcast often accompanies me. I absorb with my senses as I paint or sketch.
I’d like to take the opportunity to address two of your other questions. I have felt most loved by my family and yes, I have never felt undeserving of that love. I know many painters come from less than loving circumstances. Encouragement has helped me value art as a process, and I enjoy teaching others. I have learned that the art education of the majority of adults stopped when they entered middle school. They may be highly educated in other subjects and other creative spheres. It is my joy to create a path where they can learn to enjoy color, shape and develop a relationship with the process of painting or drawing without fear of failure.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Often an artist, musician, dancer or child can show us things about the world around us that we do not recognize – the joys and beauty that we forget.
As an artist, I want to lead people to that hint of transcending this world into wonder and delight. Whether through painting or teaching about the process of creating art, I hope to inspire others.
From the time I was a young child. I watched my mother and uncle painting and making things. I was invited to follow their example. At an early age, I knew I wanted to teach others about the creative process. Although I wanted to be teacher, I always saw art as a natural part of my life. I knew I was an artist. I earned a degree in painting, but the real education came from my family. We had art supplies in abundance and made frequent trips to museums and galleries, and I was taken to the seashore and mountings to draw alongside my mother.
When I retired from teaching ten years ago, I had the freedom to pursue art full time. I have participated in art festivals and our local Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours (which are now the 2nd largest in California), been an art director, taught workshops and traveled. Today I show my paintings in local shops and art venues, teach occasional workshops, write a Substack newsletter on creativity and travel, and run an online business featuring my travel sketches from France and art of the Mojave. I am ever aspiring to paint more, larger, more abstractly and to share my inquisitive nature and the joy of creating.
Teaching brought me to the Mojave Desert. As a landscape and figurative painter, today I paint what I love. Joshua Tree tourism has increased, but we still enjoy uninterrupted vistas, night skies and fresh air. Frequent trips to France have influence my painting. Today I would call myself a Contemporary Impressionist. I enjoy the challenge of architecture and the looseness of a colorful brushstroke.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I think I was able to ignore who the world told me to be – to a large degree. Yes, women were often teachers, not administrators; nurses, not doctors – and yet I was exposed to many successful women and never felt I could not achieve something I aspired to. All generations have had successful women; they just were acknowledged in fewer numbers, and many were crushed by societal norms. I was delivered Caesarean section by a well-known female obstetrician In Los Angeles who delivered babies of famous women. I grew up with that story in my head. My mother belonged to a league which supported the very prestigious MacDowell Artists’ Residency in New Hampshire, and I grew up knowing accomplished women writers, poets, musicians, actors and visual artists. Although my life has followed a traditional path, today I am not afraid to reach out to people or opportunities that might seem out of my grasp.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
There were definitely times growing up that I felt awkward, out of place or inexperienced. I would tell myself to be brave and listen to my intuition. I would also tell myself to appreciate the very good advice from my mother, aunt, and older friends. Confidence comes slowly, but with listening, learning and persistence, it grows. There will be setbacks and disappointments but learn from them. Listen to your heart.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
No matter what, truth and justice matter. In all enterprises involving art and life, honesty is crucial. This often means being honest with ourselves as well. I have been part of an “Art Dialog” group of women painters for over a decade. Part of our purpose in meeting is to share our new work with each other and provide honest feedback.
I am committed to the belief that there is a higher being and I have been created with a creative spirit. Artistically, I have relied on writings and advice from authors such as Madeleine L’Engle and Julia Cameron, although neither is a visual artist.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope that honesty and kindness show throughout my life and artwork. I believe our creations tell stories; I want my stories to be uplifting. I believe I am doing what I was born to do, to teach and to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janiscommentz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiscommentz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janis-commentz-24a9b033
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090516255094
- Other: https://substack.com/@janiscommentz2
Image Credits
Janis Commentz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
