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Jen Carmiel is a Florida-born, South Carolina figure painter, and graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida in December of 2020. Throughout her study of the human figure, Carmiel developed a deep love for depicting the feminine experience. Her work incorporates abstract, expressive mark making and combines that with an observed figure drawing. Her paintings depict feminine figures that are dreamlike, and unapologetic in their zest for life.
How do we celebrate life, and how can life be torn down, or muted? One might say, living joyously is as easy as breathing.
My painting series explores the concept of adhering to expectation, and then breaking free: breathing and enjoying life. In the beginning stage of painting, I create a box for my figure. Slowly, the figure emerges, and the box either disappears or remains stubborn. Sometimes, my figures become true to themselves, and stand outside the box. Other times, they are shy, and remain inside. In both cases, the vibrant colors and free brushstrokes convey one thing: these women are free.
My current body of work is guilt-free and celebrates the pursuit of joy in life. The red line work which starts the painting pushes forward, screaming passion, though is constantly at risk for being rubbed away. The box is an expectation, "Be this way, do things that way," though the figure ultimately comes to life, and finds a way to become free. These paintings become a dance between expectation from others and desire to be more.
More info:
Website: https://www.jencarmiel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.carmiel
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jencarmiel