So my next task was to choose which artworks to display in the show. I asked my friend and fellow artist, Lauren Curtis, for advice. She suggested I include examples of the different subjects that I’ve produced…symbolic/mystical collages, landscapes and nature scenes, and travel photography.
There is a wall space that is the first thing visitors see when they step out of the elevator. I wanted to be sure I picked visually striking images there. I settled on The Sisters and Radiant Mask.
I wanted to organize groups of images by theme…but also wanted to make certain that the pictures looked pleasing hanging next to each other. I thought that Serpent in the Roses and Imago worked well together.
I grouped my Paris travel photographs on one wall, but made sure that the photographs were different enough to hold the viewer’s interest.
As I have never hung my own artwork for a show before, this was definitely an eye-opening experience! But it encouraged me to think about my art in a different way. It was a satisfying feeling to see all of the pieces hanging on the wall at the end!
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!
Fellow New Jersey artist DaiJonae Clemons recently interviewed me on Facebook as part of her series about local creatives. I’m sharing the link to the video below in case you didn’t have a chance to see it:
DaiJonae Clemons interviews me on Facebook, July 17, 2020
DaiJonae is also a talented artist in her own right! Here are links to her social media pages:
Like many other artists, I have a full time job in the “real world.” I have, for a long time, also accepted that this means that my artmaking has to accommodate the schedule and demands of my job. I do not complain about this fact, but, sometimes, it’s been challenging to give my art the attention it deserves.
Now the Coronavirus has disrupted my work life, as it has that of so many other people.
At first, it’s hard to believe that I now have so much time to work on my art… more than I’ve had for many years! At the same time, it’s also bewildering to suddenly not have the structure of an outside job, and to have to create my own schedule and set my own goals.
I have done my best to keep myself busy. I have been trying out new ideas, such as my photomontages. (See The Ghost Birds above.) It is easier to work on these projects with undivided time and attention, and I’m encouraged by progress that I’ve made. I’ve also been trying to improve my photography skills. This morning, I went out to a local park and took some photos of the blossoming flowers and trees, trying to take shots of things I found interesting. And while not all of them are great photos, I think I’m learning and hopefully bringing fresh things to my work. And I also try to appreciate that I have this opportunity to create art, that I have my good health, and the support of my friends.
Cherry Blossoms, Rutgers Gardens, New Brunswick, (c) JoAnn Telemdschinow, 2020
Like everyone else, I hope that the virus outbreak will go away soon. It’s been a time of anxiety and uncertainty for everyone. I’ve tried to make the best of a totally unexpected and scary situation and make something good of it. Hopefully, we will all come out of it strong and with renewed purpose!
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 