Jan Gillespie
Resume
Jan Gillespie has lived in Washington, D.C., New York, Ohio, and now in Arkansas. She has worked for the Department of Justice, an architectural firm, and currently in advertising. She contributes many hours to her community through the garden club and local theatre group. Jan has a married son and daughter, three grandchildren, and resides with her best friend, Dakota (a Pomeranian, to whom she's highly allergic!). She also loves that her other best friend is only two blocks away, her mom!

Jan's short time in the formal art field includes affiliations with several galleries in Little Rock and El Dorado. Her paintings and sculptures have won over one hundred awards in numerous exhibits, including Best of Show in 2004 and 2005. Her work can be found in private collections in five states.

Artist Statement
I grew up with a keen interest in architecture, interior design, and art. Two years ago I began painting in watercolors and acrylics, and sculpting in clay. The intent was to have original art displayed in my home. I did not realize at the time that I was reaching deep inside to uncover a new and exciting adventure.

Being self-taught, I feel my creations come totally from my soul – either from long-forgotten impressions, or images and ideas from within, that need to be expressed. My love of the abstract, American Indian, and African art, speaks loudly in my style of sculpting. I am not drawn to realism, which is evident in my work.

Creativity has always been a driving force for me, and I have discovered in life that creativity has no boundaries, no rules. When the mood strikes, I retreat to my "studio" (which also houses my washer, dyer, and hot-water tank!), and just let myself go. Art fills my need to imagine, create, and express. Art, for me, is ever-evolving as we are. It affords me boundless joy and sheer abandon.

Honestly, I have a difficult time letting go of anything I create. Each piece is a part of me and will always be with me. If my home were large enough, I probably wouldn't let go of anything I have created. I hope others enjoy my work as much as I enjoyed creating it!