Jenn Feeney, the Heart behind the Creative Pulse of the Portland Art Scene

Art Scout's newest contributor, Alexandra Hasson Interviews Jenn Feeney and Sam at Bite Studio.

Jenn Feeney is a printmaking artist based out of Bite Studio in SE Portland.  When Jenn discovered monotype printmaking at William Park’s studio after she moved to Portland in the late 90s, her informal relationship to art was transformed. Ever since, she has been dedicated to the art of the monotype, pushing the traditional boundaries of printing by her process driven experimentation.

Jenn’s upcoming show Reaction-Effect will be held at First Presbyterian of Portland and is the current spark that has inspired her time in the studio. Working in oil, Jenn’s aesthetic inquiry puts a microscope on the visual reaction the inks have to the solvent Gamsol. Her work captures the possibility of organic cellular formation, but is balanced by controlled circular boundaries—giving the viewer a glimpse into a world that is a safely contained petri dish full of life.  For her show, she has expanded the size of her prints, spotlighting her elaborate process and willingness to explore the capabilities of the medium.

Although she works full-time outside of her art practice, Jenn fills her spare time with art. When she is not at the studio, she runs the Portland Artists Social Guild and is involved in several other artists groups to help build community and support the creative pulse of the city.

Reaction-Effect opens April 12, 2015 at First Presbyterian (1200 SW Alder St) from 11:30 am to 1 pm and will also feature Carole Murphy (sculptor) and her students. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 9 am to 12:30 pm and the show closes June 7th. ­­You can also find Jenn’s work at Bite Studio which is open to the public every first Friday of the month from 6-10 pm.  -  Alexandra Hasson