Happy holidays, dear friends! I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the strange, uncertain art world of 2020.
The Blue Hat, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow
There is no question that 2020 has been a very challenging year for creatives like myself. The coronavirus forced the cancellation of most art exhibitions and vending events. No chance to meet people who want to see and possible purchase my artwork. But fortunately, technology was able to lend a helping hand. I was very fortunate to take part in several virtual exhibitions, such as those by the Galerie Westerhoff, Art All Night Trenton, and the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. And through the power of social media like Facebook and Instagram, I’ve still been able to share my artwork with others and even make a few sales.
Russian Landscape, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me this year, whether by viewing my artwork, purchasing a print or art gift, or even sharing comments on my work. Your interest and encouragement mean more than I can express, and spur me to continue my creative journey!
Just as nature restores and regenerates herself during these quiet winter months, I hope that we are all preparing ourselves for a period of rebirth and growth in the coming year.
Spirit of Winter, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow
Thank you, friends! Wishing you health, abundance, and happiness for 2021!
This post was originally featured as a guest blog I wrote for Lauren’s Creative Corner, an art blog by Lauren Curtis.
My name is JoAnn Telemdschinow and I’m the founder of Imagined Past. I’ve always loved and been fascinated by art, but I haven’t always been sure how I should express it. While I have a background in art history, I have not studied painting or drawing. On an impulse, I started playing with collage, and found I liked it very much. In 2014, I started learning Photoshop Elements. Since then, through magazine articles and online tutorials, I’ve been developing my skills and exploring how to create different effects.
What inspires my collages? Perhaps the most obvious influence is the art and architecture of the past, medieval times, eighteenth and nineteenth century painting, as well as Chinese and Japanese art. I can happily spend hours in a museum! I also love to travel. I recently went to Paris and took photographs of beautiful old streets and buildings, some of which I’ve turned into collages. I’m interested in languages and scripts, both ancient and modern.
Me in Paris
A collage may originate from an image that captures my attention, or from an idea that I want to express. I often utilize vintage art to build my pieces, although I also use my own photographs. I am also fond of incorporating old texts, such as handwriting, book pages, or advertising, into the composition. I try to use texts that relate to the subject of the piece, either through content or cultural origin. Textures play an important role in my collages as well…old paper, distressed surfaces.
I Loved You, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow
What am I trying to convey to the viewer? Well, I myself am deeply moved by beauty so I try to make my compositions visually beautiful. Beyond that, I attempt to express a feeling or atmosphere. My pictures (like myself) tend to be reflective and nostalgic. I also sometimes imply a bit of a narrative, as in I Loved You with its forlorn woman and titular inscription.
I’ve displayed my work in a number of area venues, such as The Gallery at the South Brunswick Municipal building and Inspire Art Gallery & Studio in Dunellen. Recently, I’ve also been honored to receive awards from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (Chair’s Merit Award, Annual Juried Art Show) and the New Brunswick Free Public Library (Third Place-Adult, 2019 Visual Arts Contest and Exhibition).
French Roses, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow
What do I have planned for the future? I would like to explore photography further and use more of my own photos in my collages. I’m working to promote my artwork through social media and my website. And I’ll be exhibiting in more shows in the upcoming year. I enjoy meeting and talking to people at shows…perhaps I’ll get to meet you at one soon!
JoAnn's Imagined Past 