Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Jacobson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Like many other artists who ever lived, I was inspired, as a child, by seeing other artists’ work, and I was especially overwhelmed by an exhibit of Van Gogh’s paintings when I was a young girl. His use of color mesmerized me and although I also had ambitions to be a dancer, it was painting that really captured my heart. Also, I was fortunate to have an Aunt who worked for a family that had an extensive art collection, and it was magical for me to visit their home and marvel at their incredible collection of contemporary and historical work. I was hooked. At 18, I made the commitment to painting as my life path.
I was born and raised in LA and once I’d entered art school, I was blessed to be mentored by some extraordinary teachers who were working here then: the great Lorser Feitelson and his brilliant wife Helen Lunderberg (who was a powerful example of a fiercely independent woman artist); Harry Carmean, Hans Burkhardt, and Charles White were other teachers who had a big influence on me.
Perhaps because they were such inspiring teachers, I have made teaching an essential part of my own practice. I teach regularly at my studio in Venice, and also at Otis College of Art and Design, combining my art background with some of the spiritual and shamanic practices I’ve been involved with over the years.
I love to work with both experienced and beginning artists and I’m often blown away by the quality of the work! As well as my studio classes, I also take students on retreats and have taken them to Santorini, Big Sur, Italy, and Mystical Britain among others. I’m currently planning an art trip to Cambria in April.
I feel that I’m still walking through my evolving story….every time I start a new painting it’s the beginning of a new a journey, with all the attendant fears, excitements, perils and rewards! I always feel that my next new painting will be my best yet! Always learning and growing!!
Please tell us about your art.
My paintings are lyrical abstractions inspired by my love of nature and lifelong involvement in meditation, Buddhism, dream-work, ritual, mythology, and shamanism. The images express the spirit, energy, and beauty of the natural world as well as my internal experiences and dreams through color and harmonious form. I use mainly acrylic and watercolor, though I work in oil as well.
I believe that creativity is a manifestation of the divine spirit flowing through us and is a powerful energy for healing and transformation. My passion has been to share this with others through my paintings and teaching and to help inspire others to find their own unique creative voice.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Be true to your inner voice, don’t go with trends because you can lose yourself in them, but allow your unique, authentic vision to unfold. Be patient. Find a community of supportive colleagues. Do your art as much as you can, every day if possible, even for short time. Allow your inner critic to become the voice of discernment. Perfect and learn the technique of your craft and realize the joy of being an artist is in doing the work. Your career will have its ups and downs, but if you stay centered in your own art with your muse as your guide, you will succeed. Look at art and artists that inspire you as much as possible. I believe in the thread of art history, so learn about the artists of the past as well as the contemporary artists that inspire you. Try to analyze their composition, color, ideas then let it all go. Try to see the actual work in galleries and museums as much as you are able to. Persevere and don’t give up, it’s a lifelong journey!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I think there is a difference between solitude and loneliness. It’s important as an artist you embrace your solitude in the studio, as only then – in my experience – can you really connect to your creative muse. But sometimes it can be lonely for an artist and difficult to keep the momentum. To be an artist you have to be OK with that, though I think balance is important. I would suggest taking classes where you can be and paint with, discuss and be around other artists. And going to art openings in town, going to lectures and events that are art-related is a great way to meet like-minded others. Also, there are critique groups available where you can meet and discuss your work with others. I created an art critique group called “Artforum” where the artists bring their work and discuss their once a month…it creates a supportive community that keeps people connected and working. It’s hard to create in a vacuum; we all need the input of other artists.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
At the moment, my early drawings are currently on view in a group exhibition organized by LACMA, “Life Model: Charles White and His Students” at the Charles White Elementary School located in Mid-Wilshire. I also show regularly with MRGFine Art in Sherman Oaks and have an exhibition planned there for the coming year. My paintings can be seen by contacting MRGFineArt, or viewing the website www.mrgfineart.com and also I hold private showings in my studio. They can also be viewed at www.lindajacobson.net. Please sign up on my email list through my website and I will be happy to keep you posted on my art exhibits and events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindajacobson.net (paintings); www.artandspirit.net (classes and retreats)
- Phone: 310 699-0905
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: linda_jacobson_
- Other: https://mrgfineart.com/linda-jacobson
Image Credit:
Brittney Cottrell
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