About the Artist

Hi, my name is Janine - AKA Ja-"nine" or simply, J9 - a nickname that was given to me in my younger years by a dear friend.  It has been a name that has stuck with me over the years which is why  I use "J9" as a signature on my art.

 

I'm a single white mom of bi-racial children, navigating an unknown and new world where I learn as my children learn. 

 

I've dabbled in many art forms from song writing, music production, to acrylic painting, bottle art, soaps and scrubs, and finally, I've found a niche that includes watercolors and recycled art. 

 

My work is a unique form of art where I use the backs of boxes to create images with paint pens.  I allow the color of the box to represent the color of skin in the illustration.  It's imperfections represent the imperfections of real life, where a freckle appears because of the texture of the box.  I also enjoy this art form as the various mediums I use vary in color, just like the real world.

 

My inspiration for this art was to reuse items we frequently throw out, but more importantly, I was inspired to create this art to demonstrate the beauty of color to my children.  Creating this art also provided me the opportunity to explore various cultures.  I've asked myself questions about the significance of face painting, head dresses, and hair, just to name a few, throughout this process.  My art leads me to find answers to questions so that I can better educate myself and my children.  This education is important to helping my children understand their roots.

 

This new and unique art form has also given my children and I an opportunity to share time together, create art together, as well as learn together.