Allow yourself to feel
We tell our story by surrounding ourselves with objects that speak to our souls. Art has a magnetic draw that grabs your attention and connects you to the maker; a bridge that links our emotions.
Our stories are unique,
but the human experience is not.
Art connects us.
The energy exchange between you, the art, and its maker is thrilling. You’re sharing a story.
Hello, I’m J Long.
Painter, Ceramicist, Surface Designer, and Mississippi Delta girl living in Central Oregon.
Forever craving my Southern grandmama’s cornbread in the Cascade Mountains and living that #bendsippi life.
Evoking Emotion
An object in your hands holds the energy of the maker’s soul.
When we connect with a piece of art, we’re compelled to bring it home. I want my art to provoke emotions and be worth sharing space with.
“J’s pieces are abstract and unique, yet familiar at the same time. The textured layers, whether in clay or paint, feel like a joyful moving meditation.”
- Erin
INSPIRATION
MAKING THE EVERYDAY BEAUTIFUL
Our life stories are inspired by our experience of place. Where you’ve lived takes root within you. You can’t shake those deep ties.
Emotion brings inspiration.
In these moments, I allow myself to absorb the charged flicker so that in the studio, the light within turns into an explosive fire of creation.
THEMES
Concept-driven artwork
Multimedia collections bloom from thoughts swirling in my head.
Meditations on ponder and play become the oxygen that fuels my work and ignites the emotional release.
PROCESS
Translating Emotions Into Objects
I make marks; then I decide which to cover up or keep.
Transporting myself into a flow, a meditative practice of concealing and revealing.
We are the sum of our decisions.
Whether making with paint, clay, or design I thrive on process. The delight is truly in the discoveries while working. I make an object, evaluate it, and then determine how to improve its form, color, texture, etc.
Then I make it again and again.
Building up a thick textured foundation, each layer is a deliberate decision. Carving into the piece reveals previous choices.
Past and present, old and new, side by side.
I ask myself:
What can we learn from present and past choices?
What are you choosing to conceal vs. reveal?
How do these choices resonate when side-by-side?
PRINCIPLES
Crafts(wo)manship
I approach each piece as if we were planning for generations ahead to enjoy. Our personal interactions will be from the heart; we will forge a connection through art.
Exuberance
Because dance parties, hugs, and belly laughs heal the soul. Grab your main squeeze, besties, and kids. Turn up the volume, show off your moves, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and be free.
Intentional living
Slow down to be present and actually listen to your body’s knowledge. My head can ping-pong back and forth so that decision-making is impossible. When this happens, I get still and listen to the answer that is within. What a beautiful concept, to trust your inner wisdom. Modeling an intentional life for my kids is a joyful and beautiful practice. Just imagine what that could mean for their futures.
FUN FACTS
When I was a kid, I drank my paint water because I liked the colors. Bless my heart.
After college, I backpacked around South America. Mercy me, it was an epic adventure.
Each winter, I hone my skiing skills. Not bad for someone who avoided the snow until their 40s.
Spontaneous kitchen dance parties are always a good idea. Energy-clearing magic!
I have a deep connection to music, but don’t play an instrument. Although, I can rock a mean air guitar.
Our dogs, Rooster and Sookie Belle have manifested their life. They’re living it up!
In an alternate universe, I’m either a detective or a 90s indie rocker. What’s the connection between those?
Almost daily, my husband and kiddos think it’s funny to scare me by jumping out from behind doors and yelling, “BOO!” at full volume… Ugh! They get me EVERY TIME!
“You can feel the passion J puts into creating her art and that loving energy now fills my home.”
- Caroline
If I’m not outside with my husband and sons, I’m in my studio making art that we can connect through. I invite you to slow down, get comfy and see what work calls to you.
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