Jhenna Quinn Lewis Works

I feel as though I’ve lived a thousand lives in this one lifetime and  I’ve experienced so many things, all of which come together in an alchemical process  that results in the creation of a painting. For patrons of my work, the feedback I hear  most often is that it’s peaceful and contemplative. This feels like a full conversation  between me and the viewers of my art. My sense of composition comes from my love of Asian art which has been lifelong. Before I was 10, I was captivated by a book of Japanese woodblock art of the Ukiyo-e period. I’ve always loved the simplicity of form, color, and use of space.  The main touchstones of my life, which bring me peace and a sense of belonging, are my love of nature and its preservation. I choose subjects, like birds and simple treasures of the everyday, to represent this.  Originally from Chicago, I have been at home in Southern Oregon for over 20 years. I am a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and most recently I was honored to receive the 2023 Purchase Award at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. My work is now in the permanent collection at the National Museum of Wildlife Art as well as at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and various personal and private collections throughout the world. I am represented by Meyer Gallery, InSight Gallery, Trailside Galleries, and Mockingbird Gallery. I paint full time, so donating my art to organizations that work toward conserving our environment and educating people about why we should preserve it, is vitally important to me. Nature is a gift to interact with wisely and respectfully. I admire my fellow wildlife artists as well as the institutions that show our art, and the patrons who make what we do possible. We don’t exist without others. Thích Nhất Hạnh had this quote, which beautifully captures the interconnectedness of our lives with nature:  “If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. Without a cloud, there will be no rain; without rain, the trees cannot grow; and without trees, we cannot make paper. The cloud is essential for the paper to exist. If the cloud is not here, the sheet of paper cannot be here either.” Art, and in particular wildlife art, has the power to communicate this relationship, bringing the viewer closer to the world around us. I am proud and humbled to be part of this ecosystem.