Artist J. Henry
Jocelyn “J” Henry is a USA born artist, based in NYC, who prefers to let her art do the talking.
In 2017, Henry graduated with a BFA in Illustration (concentration in concept art and children’s books) from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, NY [Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship]. That same year Henry also completed Studio and Forum of Scenic Art at Scenic Art Studios in NYC. Currently, in 2020, Henry had the honour of joining the USA 829 Apprenticeship in NYC.
“Wallflower 1”
By J. Henry (Finalist 2nd Edition)
Oil on Masonite
“Inspired by some particularly garish wallpaper in a Victorian B&B.”
When asked about the inspiration behind the beginning of her artistic journey, Henry said this “…Maybe it was the books I looked at as a child. Maybe it was my mom saying “that’s not what a horse looks like” when I drew her a horse. I don’t know, there’s a lot of serotonin released when you experience beauty, and if you fall for the idea that you can create it then it’s easy to become addicted.”
“Wallflower 2”
By J. Henry
Oil on Canvas
“ Sister painting to Wallflower (1)”
Henry’s current job as a union Scenic Artist with a concentration in backdrop painting for NYC theater is the inspiration behind her work now. When giving us an elaboration, Henry says, “Specifically at the moment, oddball art from medieval - baroque period. There’s also a lot of cool tips and aesthetic theories picked up from working in theater that heavily influences my newer work.”
“Birth of Venus”
By Jocelyn Henry
Oil on Masonite
“Inspired by various baroque fountains.”
Henry elaboration continued by discussing the mediums she uses. Henry primarily utilises oil paint, however, the brainstorming always starts with pencil and then washes of either watercolour or fluid acrylic.
When it comes to her drawing “the cheap Bic mechanical pencils that come in a plastic package of 6 to 6 million, and a good ol’ fashion yellow #2 pencil. I was drawing long before I could afford art supplies and now that I’ve got some money in my pocket I still go for the same thing. That’s probably the story for a lot of folks.”
As for her painting materials, Henry continued by saying, “I never painted until Marvin Mattelson took me under his wing and made me buy Windsor & Newton Artist series oil paints, so now I’m spoiled and they’re the only oils I touch.”
“Pan and the Dragon”
By Jocelyn Henry
Oil on Wood
Inspired by a very ornate silverwork teapot in Lisbon.
When a creative block plagues her, Henry says that, “I scribble down pretty much every stupid idea that comes to mind, no matter when or where I am. Some get developed, some don’t, but I’m never at a loss for content. Keeping track of the scraps of paper with those scribbles is a much bigger issue.”
Lastly, we asked Henry for any advice she had for her fellow artists, she outdid herself by offering up three pieces of advice from her own experience.
Be able to think of creativity and craft as separate entities with equal importance in your work.
Understand that there is probably no such thing as talent. The world is at our fingertips now, anything can be learned and practiced if you’re truly willing to learn and practice it.
Don’t compare yourself to your peers. Compare yourself to the person who’s doing (or did) you want to do (even if that person is long gone). It seems masochistic at first but you’ll understand when you embark on that journey.
To view more of Jocelyn “J” Henry’s work: