Jenny Chi (pronounced Chee) is a UNF art instructor and an artist who paints oil on canvas.
HOW LONG HAVE
YOU BEEN PAINTING?
“I’ve been an artist since age seven. I always knew I wanted to be an artist and my family educated me that way.” Chi’s uncle teaches art at the college level.
WHAT IS THE APPEAL FOR YOU?
“I loved to draw. And when I looked at art, I would have a big response. My art teacher fascinated me with how he could create an image out of nothing. It was very powerful. That was the biggest force that drove me [into an art career].”
ELEMENTS OF STYLE
“A lot [of artists] depend on emotional paintings. They are really abstract. I like to recreate Mother Nature instead of taking a photo I like to paint. I can add my own personal touch to it.”
WHAT’S REWARDING
ABOUT IT FOR YOU?
“So much . . . it’s hard to describe. I guess, that I can create something no one else can. To paint and come up with a result is satisfying. Plus, people enjoy them so that’s encouraging.”
WHAT’S YOUR
BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
“There’s always more to learn. I have a sincere following in Jacksonville but I always feel the need to give more. That’s why I constantly travel to museums. Every real artist will tell you that the more they know, the less they really know and the more they need to learn.”
BORN
Taiwan. She taught herself to speak English. “I came to America when I was 20 to study in Chicago.”
CURRENT RESIDENCE
Southside. “The advantage to being single is that I can travel and do what I like.”
FORMAL TRAINING
Chi completed graduate school at the New York Academy of Art, one of a few institutions offering a master’s degree in figurative art.
WHAT BODY OF WORK INFLUENCED YOU?
“My favorite period is High Renaissance. That was when the humanities, art and literature became well-developed and when anatomy was invented. I had a lot of teachers in New York but the ones that really inspired me were the old masters — Raphael, Michaelango, Titan. ”
HIDDEN MESSAGE
“Even in musical instruments, I use a lot of symbolism. Thai paintings have mythological or allegorical messages. People tell me it is difficult to understand my art. My challenge is to make it clear to an audience and still have those elements in there.”
TRANSPLANT
After graduating from art school, Chi was offered a full time teaching position at the University of North Florida “When I moved to Jacksonville in 1998, I had to sacrifice my art to survive. Some people don’t think it’s suitable to represent naked human life.” In her home studio Chi continues to paint the classical figurative work she loves. She markets it to metropolitan areas around the country.
ANY REGRETS ABOUT MOVING?
“I’m very fortunate that I can stay in an artistic circle, practice art and make a living.”
WHO BUYS YOUR WORK?
“I love classical music, so I started doing still lifes with musical instruments and have continued doing so. The Jacksonville area responds well to those paintings. A few of my collectors include the Schultz family, Mr. and Mrs. [Jack] Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. [C.H.] Goebertus and Mr. and Mrs. [Wayne] Misenar.” One gallery representing her talents is JSL Fine Arts in San Francisco. Locally, her pieces, including landscapes, are on display at The Framing Establishment.
TO THE EDGE OF THE HORIZON
Every summer, Chi travels to Italy to paint Tuscan landscapes and further develop her skills. She also uses Ponte Vedra Beach scenery as subjects.
HOBBIES
“Four months ago when I rented a cello to paint, I fell in love and started to take lessons. I enjoy playing music very much and am a big supporter of concert halls. When the Jacksonville Symphony asked me to decorate a violin [for the Music For Your Eyes benefit], I thought it held a special connection between my love for music and my love for art.”
ILLINOIS OR BUST
Chi recently accepted a position teaching art in Charleston, Ill. She packs her bags in August with the hope of bolstering more interest in her figurative works. “I’m getting ready to move out of town but I will still be connected to Jacksonville. Then I will consider a solo show. In fact, Jacksonville may be a good place to show because of my following here.”
— by Monica Chamness