Janine Jones, mother of an awesome little dude, professional artist, nemophilist, eco-protector, free-spirited, woman.
Born a Leo in the tiny town of Goderich, Ontario, Janine was inspired to paint and draw at a young age — surrounded by trees, waterfalls, wildlife, and the gorgeous sunsets and beaches of Lake Huron. Later in Oakville, she pursued an education at Sheridan College, where she realized her life’s passion in the realm of fine art.
This experience led her to Toronto, consequently one of the most influential times of Janine’s creative career. Working for a number of years with top Toronto Interior Designers, she was commissioned for large abstract paintings for Condo and Model Home sales offices all over the city. She also volunteered her time to represent 42 emerging Canadian Visual Artists, Photographers, Performers and Musicians for a local Resto-Lounge. She showcased interactive social events to give voice to artists who were struggling for some much-deserved recognition.
In April 2008, Ms. Jones relocated to Vancouver, where she discovered a merging of the urban and natural worlds. Working as Resident Artist with ROAM Gallery in Vancouver, she started fresh, focusing on Ocean and Mountain inspiration.
In 2021, relocation back to Ontario to seek opportunity, to be closer to family, renewed and reignited her creative purpose.
Janine has collections across North America and showcases regularly in pop-up shows across Canada, including ART Vancouver.
“I draw inspiration from sunsets, forests, natural life and its splendour. I feel a need to live near water, it grounds me. I travel to explore new horizons and again in my dreams when they visit every night. I’m a mover and a doer — when life takes me in a new direction, without hesitation, I follow my heart. I paint how I feel, I paint what I see in my dreams. I feel like a little girl, who’s dying to get outside and play, with gratitude that I get to do it in Canada’s pristine, vast wild spaces.”
If you could give your past self some advice what would you tell yourself?
Save your money, invest wisely, and travel more often. I always live in the moment, jump at every opportunity life gives me. I think it’s the gypsy in me. Although, I never saved enough and if I had more education on investments I would be in a different place now. I’d be able to take my son on more trips and look forward to earlier retirement.
Another good point is to give others as much as they invest in you. If something doesn’t make you happy, move on. Generosity is one thing, but in matters of the heart, it’s golden advice.
What is your number one business goal this year?
Since moving to Ontario last year I started working as a Program Coordinator with Food Forward Oxford. Food Security is a serious issue and only becoming more essential. We can do so much better with distribution and limiting food waste. Nutritious, safe food is a right for everyone, not a privilege. Given that it supports our environment to reduce food waste from landfills, it’s a win-win for everyone.
I’ve also started painting with safer, eco-friendly paints. Focusing on earthly-related work, ornate, florals with meditative qualities. It’s a different direction for me, it feels good, so it must be right. I can’t wait to show the series.
What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
Every day I wake up, I appreciate what I have, not for that which I don’t, and I try to instill those values back to my son. We may not have much, but we have a roof over our heads, a wonderful family that’s supportive, great friends, and our health. I want my son to grow up and help others, and know what is truly important. We have fun. We paint, explore, travel, cook and live for positive growth together. He helps me with food rescue as well, seeing firsthand how reaching out to those in need is imperative.
Connect with Janine:
Instagram: @JJonesArt
FB: Janine Jones Art
