Artist's Statement

“Standing Still, 24.1” is part of my Standing Still collection, which aims to bring awareness to the effects of climate change on our oceans. Through these ocean-themed works, I hope to highlight the critical tipping point we have reached regarding the health of our environment. We are standing still in leadership worldwide to do the right thing for humankind's future. We can go one way or another, thus Standing Still.

I embraced my past work by recycling an early installation piece, “Still, Standing,” and bringing its elements onto a new canvas. This transformation is not just about reuse but renewal, mirroring the ever-changing nature of our oceans and highlighting the cycle of life within them. The holes were created while the paper pulp was still wet, representing living and dying coral.

This newest mixed-media painting incorporates artist-made recycled paper (newspaper, office paper, brown paper bags, egg cartons) and dyes. My creative process for this painting involved an intuitive fusion of post-consumer waste paper. This unique combination of materials adds depth to the artwork and contributes to the preservation of our planet.

About the Artist
J. Jay West's art, deeply rooted in Hawaii's rich landscapes, is recognized for its abstract, mixed-media approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Her creative evolution began in childhood, shaped by family encouragement and a formal education in fine art. West's dedication to repurposing materials was spotlighted during her tenure as Hawaii's first artist-in-residence at a reuse center, where she led workshops on sustainable art. Her fusion of abstract expressionism with eco-friendly methods has garnered a following, spotlighting her role as an influencer in the art world for her innovative and conscious creations.

Jay works out of her Kamuela studio, usually with her cats overseeing her process, which is powered by solar panels.