Jacque Ferretti

Artist Statement

I am an abstract painter and mixed media artist, living and working in Philadelphia. For the past 8 years, I have been a full member of the 3rd Street Gallery and also exhibit at several other venues within the area.

Primarily an oil painter, I also incorporate found objects, mixed media and collage into my work. Drawn towards the element of texture, I enjoy experimenting with layers of fabric, random materials, printmaking and layering the surfaces of my paintings. The end result may range from a rough impasto build up to a smooth silk surface.

Throughout the years, my work has been strongly influenced by urban living in surprising ways. For example, when I first moved to the city I was struck by conversations overheard during my daily walks. I collected random words spoken by strangers that struck a cord in their sound, emotion and message. Unedited, and cumulated over the course of a year, I ended up with a series of paintings and drawings entitled, “Talk on the Street.”

This series depicted raw and spontaneous emotions. Many of which suggested feelings of frustration and isolation; such as one painting entitled, “Is anybody Listening?”

Over the years, the city continues to shine with gems of inspiration. Objects may range from the color of rust reflected in the sun off an old shop window, to cracks in the sidewalk, and family trophies displayed in the front window of a row house.

One example, from a photo I took of a plastic white swan nestled within a cinder block wall of a back yard melted my heart.

Within my life and work, I try to follow the words of the poet, Mary Oliver…

“Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.”

Visit the artist's website here