Janet Jaffke

I’ve been an artist and “maker of things” all my life. I was greatly influenced by my father – a master “old school” carpenter. We spent many hours together in his workshop (our garage) and I watched him carefully perfect his craft. Sometimes he would give me little projects to work on, or we would make something together. He taught me about patience and process, trial and error, quality and craftsmanship. Very good lessons for a young artist in the making.

Originally from Chicago, I began my formal training at the School of the Art Institute. I concentrated my studies on textile design and fiber art and after I graduated I started a small business producing hand-painted fabrics for clothing and home furnishings. Working out of my garage with a few employees and my work found it’s way across the country in boutiques and even a few big name department stores like Sax Fifth Avenue. Simultaneously I also found myself creating theatrical costumes, art installations; working on commercials and photography sets, even book illustration. Throughout all these wonderfully creative endeavors and interesting projects, I was always aware of a part of my self that identified me as painter.

Several years after starting my company I was approached to participate in a government grant designed to bring artists and designers into the world of multimedia and the Internet. I was fascinated with the new technology and walked out of the studio and into the world of digital design and communication.

It wasn’t until  I moved to a small farm town in Alsace France, that I found myself in the perfect place to surrender to a lifetime “knowing” that I was a painter. I’m now following a new creative path and excited about all there is to discover and learn along the way. I thank you for joining me along the way.