JBD.3.6.1910 pen and ink, 10" x 9" Click on image for larger view.

Jenny E. Balisle’s art begins with a mark or line inspired by patterns in nature and Asian calligraphy. In her oil paintings, she pools, wrinkles, scrapes and creates chemical reactions with solvents that mimic occurrences in the natural world. The painting’s multiple layers become a complex surface that reflects and glows with iridescence while maintaining a minimalist composition.

Balisle’s pen and ink drawings explore repetitions of line and organic forms. As a result, she explores the simplicity and complexity of gestures, marks, lines and textures. Overall, her art is an observation of the environment close and far away.  It is her attempt to reclaim an experience of the outdoors in her West Oakland studio.

Nature and art form Balisle’s closest interpretation to a spiritual experience. Therefore, her utilitarian art titles mark the quantity, size and creation date.  This leaves free range for the viewer's imagination and personal definition of faith.

Jenny E. Balisle earned a B.A. in Art and Communication from University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point and a M.F.A. from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. She works as a fulltime artist and has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in the United States. These group shows include: All-In Juried Art Exhibition, Torrance Art Museum, Torrance, CA; RIC ArtFutura 2007, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL; TarFest 2006, Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA; Infinity 2005 and Errata and Contradiction 2004, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; The Golda Foundation’s First Annual Juried Painting Exhibition, Poetry Competition & Gala Evening in Partnership with the Fresno Art Museum, Fresno, CA. 2004.

Her work has also been featured in such publications as The Renascent Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Sculptural Pursuits Magazine, Best of California Artists and Artisans 2006, and ZYZZYVA journal. Balisle was also commissioned for the Hearts in San Francisco public art project and was a nominee for the 2008 SFMOMA SECA award.

You can currently find her work at HANG Gallery and SFMOMA Artist Gallery in San Francisco, Wexler Gallery in Philadelphia, L Ross Gallery in Memphis and Brooks Barrow Gallery in Milwaukee.