In today’s digital world, art is consumed at an unprecedented speed. Images flash by on screens, often glanced at for less than a second before being replaced by the next. Artificial intelligence can generate any picture imaginable within moments, further amplifying the disconnect between the artist and the audience. This rapid, impersonal consumption of art often strips away the deeper connections and the process of creation that make art a profound part of the human experience.

     In response, I chose to focus on physical paintings—artworks meant to be experienced in person. These pieces are designed to foster a tangible connection, allowing the viewer and the artist to share the same space. When viewed in person, the artwork is experienced as it was intended during its creation. This interaction provides opportunities to meet the audience, engage in meaningful conversations, and exchange ideas, fostering introspection and creativity.

     My bird paintings are more than just images; they are characters born from inspiration I find in music. Experiencing the art of others sparks my creative side, compelling me to craft scenes and characters that convey my perspective of the world. These works invite viewers to interpret and respond, creating a dialogue between my story and theirs.

     I want my art to extend beyond the canvas, embodying the collaborative essence of creativity. Alongside my art book, my publisher and I are creating a collection of short stories inspired by each painting. These stories, written by others, capture the shared inspiration and the communal act of creation that lies at the heart of art. This circle of inspiration—where art begets art—is something we must cherish in today’s art world.

     Art should connect us outside the confines of screens, offering moments of presence and reflection. Each of my paintings is imbued with a sense of motion, as if paused in time, asking the viewer to linger in the moment.​.​

     These books, both the art book and the accompanying stories, hold a special importance for me. They provide a physical way to connect with people, creating a real, tangible object that invites interaction. They offer a space for my art to exist and be appreciated beyond the digital realm, reaffirming the importance of personal connections in the creative process. This is the heart of why we make art: to share, to inspire, and to connect.

     I invite writers and poets to become a part of an art cycle project by submitting stories or poems inspired by my artwork. Your words will birth new art from my paintings, turning them into a collaborative dialogue of creativity and connection. Together, we will create a book that is not just a collection of art and writing, but a testament to the power of inspiration and response.

     Winning authors and honorable mentions whose work is to be included in the final anthology will go through this part of the process so that the final story published is the strongest possible. Word count limit will no longer be important. The focus is on putting the best possible version of the story out to readers.

     This project is about more than the art itself; it is about the creation and the conversation it sparks. Each story or poem adds a new layer to the artwork, transforming it into something greater than the sum of its parts. Your voice becomes part of this shared creative journey, where art inspires words, and words, in turn, enrich art.

     By contributing, you join a community of creators dedicated to celebrating the profound connections that art fosters. This anthology collection will stand as a physical embodiment of that circle of inspiration—a tangible reminder of the importance of collaboration and shared expression in the art world today.

     Submit your stories and poems, and let’s build something extraordinary together. Your work will not only complement the paintings but also serve as an essential piece of this evolving narrative of creativity and response. Join me in making this vision a reality and showing the world the true power of art as a living, breathing conversation.

     To view the paintings and be inspired for the project visit: www.violetjen.com.