How does it feel to be a contemporary painter in a landscape-kind-of town?

Jane Molinelli believes there is room for all forms of artistic expression in Asheville, though she admits to sometimes feeling like an outlier. Her work—colorful, abstract, and sometimes textural—may not be for everyone, but she feels her work creates the needed space for a dialogue with those who appreciate work that is less representational and always expressive.

“A painting is a notation of energy, whether found in an emotion, a reaction to a situation, or in the breath of nature. It is the sum of the artist’s approach to channeling this energy that creates a cohesive work,” she says. Molinelli likens her work to poetry, “Except, my work utilizes line, mark, and color to communicate with the viewer in an inner language without words.”

Molinelli says she found her “art tribe” early, the group of painters with whom she most identifies. At a young age, she began to gravitate to the contemporary section of any art museum she visited. “The vitality, immediacy, and depth of emotion touched me like no other. Without knowing it at the time, I was captivated by how a work without a seeming subject could so profoundly speak to me.”

She began her work in visual arts as a fiber artist, both in weaving and batik. “While I have always been in love with color, the energy and rhythm that painting conveys continued to intrigue me. When I turned to painting later in life, I found I could translate the texture of fiber and the layering of colors from my dye work to this medium. Of her process she says, “My one requirement has been that I remain open to the creative.”

You can see the work of Jane Molinelli at Asheville Gallery of Art, and at 310 Art Gallery in the River Arts District.

You may also view her work online at www.jmolinelliart.com.