Artist Spotlight: Jeanette Innala's Visions of Color

Paige Simianer | August 22, 2022

Jeanette Innala seeks to explore the deep resonating spectra and presence of color. 

Jeanette Innala's work combines different techniques such as traditional painting, the use of ink and resin, digital layering, and a variety of mediums. This gives her work a unique linguistic palette and personal signature that is central to every piece.

Born in Skellefteå Sweden, Innala flourished in a creative home environment where self-expression was encouraged. This, combined with her interest in the history of art, mysticism, and symbolism, drives her passion for creating to this day. 

"Creating art is a completely intuitive experience for me. It isn’t really a choice—more a vocation or a need. Every work becomes a translation of the color and light as I see them. Color is a powerful agent of communication, as well as a universal language since the beginning of time. That’s why vibrant color in movement is so dominant in my art," Innala explains.

Artwork Archive got the chance to chat with Jeanette Innala about her process, career, and business. You can see more of her work on Discovery and learn more about her work below. 

Jeanette Innala in her studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Has your work changed over time—do you find yourself understanding your art career through different periods of expression?

Yes absolutely—completely. I started to paint in acrylic and it took years before I found my medium of choice: ink. I would say that my work reflects my inner journey more than my outer journey.

But, after working for many years, I just found my process by coincidence—through trial and error. From that point, it has been my main focus. That’s when my success started to take off.

 

Do you have a favorite part of your process?

There are so many steps and stages in my work. I see the process as quite intuitive. I usually feel the need to paint like a calling. My painting hours are usually late at night and when I begin painting; it's like a meditation. There is a quietness that I love.

When painting, it's impossible to think about anything else other than just being "in the now." That’s my favorite time—when it all turns quiet. After the final step (when the piece is dried and done), I take a step back and it's like stepping into reality again.

Painting for me is a freedom zone.

Jeanette Innala | 'In the Shimmering Light', 24 x 20 x 1 in

What is it about the element of chance in your work that inspires you?

When you work with ink and resin there is always an element of chance. The flow of the medium has a mind of its own. In one sense, it’s the lack of total control that also brings a sense of freedom.

 

You mention that the history of art, mysticism, and symbolism drive your work. Can you elaborate on how each of these influences your work?

In studying the history of art, creation, mysticism, and symbolism, I have found they all underline that art has been used as a favorite medium of expression since the beginning of time. 

Art is the language of choice to explore the deeper meaning of life. 

As an artist, I see my art as an expression of intuition connected with something beyond. All my impressions are channeled into my art. I have a series of orbs that are inspired by the symbolism of creation. Mysticism is often based on personal experience and presented as visions. I do my visions in color. The colors I see when I meditate are channeled into my art.

Art has its own spirit, and color is a strong conductor that affects us primarily, before anything else.

What has your artistic education consisted of (formal or not)? If you did receive a formal education like an MFA, did you find it necessary for your artistic growth, or did you find that elsewhere?

Growing up in an artistic home, I was encouraged to create from an early age. My dad worked as a teacher in wood-crafting, painted in oils and watercolor, made furniture, and crafted in metal. There was no limit to materials and my possibilities for creating were endless. 

In 2015, after working in international business development with some of the world's major brands, I came back to painting. In 2020 I turned my full attention to my art and hired an art agent for strategic business advice in developing my brand.

Following some strategic marketing incentives, I experienced a stream of worldwide opportunities and connections to the finest galleries. In 2021, a collection of 30 of my pieces was acquired by Deji Art Museum in Nanjing, China. They are set to appear in a solo exhibition in 2023. 

I would encourage artists to get an education. It opens doors faster and gives you a platform early on. While I see myself as a self-taught artist, I've had training at different art schools. However, I found the beginning of school was too restricted for my style of painting, as I grew up in a "free form" creative environment.

 

Which routines – art making and administrative-are essential to success in your art career?

As a full-time artist, I schedule every week into different sections: painting sessions, administrative work with my sales channels, updating my website, and packing and sending art to clients and galleries.

For me, it’s important to organize my art and business. For example, I need to know the location of my art if pieces are off on consignment. I also need to be able to track sales to clients and see what work is still available.

Why did you choose to use Artwork Archive to manage your work?

When researching for a tool to manage my work I came across Artwork Archive and was impressed by the range of tools and customer service.

It’s the perfect tool to handle day-to-day work. I use Artwork Archive mainly to organize my art, make portfolios of art to clients, and to track my work on consignment. 

 

What advice would you give an emerging artist during this time?

For galleries and clients, consistency in your work is key to success. This is true for the subject, presentation, and message throughout your marketing and branding. Focus on one style instead of pursuing lots of styles—find one and dive deep. Multiple styles send a mixed message to your clients. A gallery needs to know what to expect of your art in terms of quality and style.

Be inspired by others but find your own style. You can lose yourself by trying to find yourself in the painting styles of others. 

Finally, try not to become fixated on the end result. You could lose all the joy of painting in the process.

 

Jeanette Innala uses Artwork Archive to track her artwork online and present her artwork professionally.  

You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business. 

 

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