“A Day in the Life” with Calgary artist Ventura Jones

January 13, 2021 Admin Arts, Visual Arts

Ventura Jones is a budding artist whose work is sure to impress. She grew up as part of a large family on a farm south of Calgary, and from an early age had a strong sense of adventure and wonder. At the age of 20 she harnessed that energy, packed her bag, and spent the next 7 years exploring over 30 countries around the world. It was on this adventure, at the age of 24, that she first picked up a paintbrush in Cork, Ireland. From that day on, Ventura has created art on a daily basis. Her perseverance has led her on a wonderful journey of self taught expression that we are all very lucky to observe. What began as a joyful daily activity has gradually become something considerably more essential to her life. Drawing and painting helps her to engage with her past, herself and the world. Her art is a fun way of exploring the natural world, spirituality, and consciousness. She uses a variety of mediums and watching her artistic evolution has been a great joy in my life. The knowledge that she has been creating art for such a short time leaves me in awe of where she will progress in the coming years. She is a constant reminder that there is no time like now to pursue what your heart desires, and that small daily steps can transform your life.

Under current restrictions I, like many others, am missing the opportunities of travel. I find myself harnessing that energy and instead am exploring through the artistic journey. I find art to be just as adventurous as travel, and this piece was the first of a series of colorful forests that were a huge embodiment of that.
Ventura Jones – Under current restrictions I, like many others, am missing the opportunities of travel. I find myself harnessing that energy and instead am exploring through the artistic journey. I find art to be just as adventurous as travel, and this piece was the first of a series of colourful forests that were a huge embodiment of that.
Ireland is where, in 2016, I first felt inspired to pick up a paintbrush. My heart is so attached to the Irish landscape and culture, and I feel intense gratitude for the influence it had on me. I am unsure if I would have found a connection to art if I had not lived here.
Ireland is where, in 2016, I first felt inspired to pick up a paintbrush. My heart is so attached to the Irish landscape and culture, and I feel intense gratitude for the influence it had on me. I am unsure if I would have found a connection to art if I had not lived here.
A series of my first oil paintings from 2018.
A series of my first oil paintings from 2018.
While I was travelling I could not lug around all the art supplies I wanted, so I would instead always carry pens and a sketchbook. I have hundreds and hundreds of these daily drawings from these years. This is a small display of these works that I currently have up on a wall in my apartment as a daily reminder of this journey,
While I was travelling I could not lug around all the art supplies I wanted, so I would instead always carry pens and a sketchbook. I have hundreds and hundreds of these daily drawings from these years. This is a small display of these works that I currently have up on a wall in my apartment as a daily reminder of this journey,
Although a lot of my creativity surfaced while travelling, my first inspirations were nurtured on the farm I was raised on. This initial connection to the earth and animals is ever present in my work today.
Although a lot of my creativity surfaced while travelling, my first inspirations were nurtured on the farm I was raised on. This initial connection to the earth and animals is ever present in my work today.
I try to include yoga and meditation into my life everyday, and I often find my best creative ideas are unearthed in the quiet mental space of these practices.
I try to include yoga and meditation into my life everyday, and I often find my best creative ideas are unearthed in the quiet mental space of these practices.
Posing with a recent favourite, which is part of the current series I am working on. The series is tied together over an element that requires a technical ability that mystifies me...water.
Posing with a recent favourite, which is part of the current series I am working on. The series is tied together over an element that requires a technical ability that mystifies me…water.
I recently went through a burst of creating a series of marine animal paintings. While I am cozied up in our Canadian winter, it is such a wonderful escape to explore the calm weightlessness and ease these creatures exude.
I recently went through a burst of creating a series of marine animal paintings. While I am cozied up in our Canadian winter, it is such a wonderful escape to explore the calm weightlessness and ease these creatures exude.

Which ‘hood are you in?

I am lucky to be settled in the amazing neighbourhood of Mission. Between downtown’s energizing atmosphere, great cafes to nestle in with a sketchbook, and the wonderful spots tucked away along the river, I feel like I never have to wander far to find what I need.

What do you do?

I have spent the majority of my twenties working and living abroad, and in that journey I fell in love with the restaurant and hospitality industry. I have been able to use it as a tool to explore the different cultures of the countries I have lived in, as well as felt connection and immersion on a deeper level in many communities. Although I would love one day to express that I am a full time artist, my extroverted soul loves working in the front of house side of hospitality. The restaurant culture within Calgary has so much to offer, and it is a perfect balance to my artistic pursuits.

What are you currently working on?

I consider myself in the very early stages of my artistic journey, and I find that reflected in my spontaneous, almost playful, approach to projects. Due to this approach, this answer changes day to day. I could feel inspired to start a bright, large scale oil painting or I could dive into a series of simple black and white one line drawings. It is not unusual for me to have five or six very different projects on the go simultaneously. As of recently, I have been exploring different expressions and perceptions of the natural world, specifically of trees and water, and I am planning out a space themed mural.

Where can we find your work?

I currently use instagram as my art sharing platform @ventura.doodles.

 

 

 

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