#sparkchamber 110424 — Jeri Lewis Edwards

A couple of updates on #sparkchamber alum Jeri Lewis Edwards! This and next month, Jeri has a solo exhibition at Curl Fitness in Arroyo Grande — art + space = gallery! She is donating proceeds from the show to two great causes:

First, the Woods Humane Society, an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1955 and dedicated to the humane care of homeless dogs and cats in San Luis Obispo County. Their work as an animal shelter includes finding loving homes for pets, working to end pet overpopulation through spay/neuter efforts, canine obedience classes, and humane education opportunities for children. Their animal shelter relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors as they improve the lives of animals throughout our community.

And second, Pacific Wildlife Center. An advocate for wildlife in San Luis Obispo since 1984, PWC is San Luis Obispo County’s only licensed rehabilitation center that cares for injured birds, mammals, and reptiles. Comprised of members, donors, volunteers, and professional animal-care staff, they treat nearly 3,000 wild-animal patients every year, from over 200 different species! Their goal is to return healthy animals to the wild, as well as to provide educational presentations for local organizations and schools.

ALSO !!! Jeri is featured in Dulcet — a quarterly print-and-digital literary magazine publishing works of fiction, poetry, and visual art — with her poem None of This is Ours to Hold Onto which includes a wonderful interview about her work as both a poet and visual artist.

Right? What a terrific abundance of fabulous news! In support and solidarity, we highlight Jeri’s thoughts on the creative process originally posted October 23, 2023.

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Autumn is a time of transition as summer’s abundance gives way to the sparseness of fall. It offers the opportunity both to reflect, and to look forward, presenting a compelling reminder of impermanence, that we — and our surroundings — are constantly developing. Perfectly fitting, #sparkchamber is thrilled to welcome artist Jeri Lewis Edwards. From love of nature, to openness to new influences — or seeing “old” influences from a new perspective — Jeri’s story emphasizes how vital it is to embrace the present moment. In her own words:

“I’m a naturalist, wildlife advocate — especially when it comes to advocating preservation of habitat — a published poet, and a mixed-media artist. I know it sounds cliche, but like so many of my fellow artists, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. But without any nurturing I put that dream aside.

“And after getting a degree in marketing, I developed my own recruiting consulting. For 33 years I partnered with founders and CEOs to help them build their entrepreneurially-spirited executive team. I have to say that I was quite good at “match making,” and now that intuitive voice inside me is still quite alive as I spend time in my art studio.

“I grew up spending time in the woods, and as I got older I found I couldn’t be away from being outside all the time. So I began to backpack all throughout the wilderness areas of the U.S., as well as biking along back roads. Today my favorite activities continue to be hiking, biking, and kayaking.

“Years ago, I put a pair of binoculars in my hand and that completely changed my world! I realized that all throughout my life seeing wildlife was the highlight of a day for me. And viewing birds through my binoculars or a scope is a daily highlight! Being able to identify birds around me by their sounds is an added enrichment. Whether it’s seeing and hearing birds, identifying new plants, mushrooms, or insects, all of these contribute to heightening my sense of listening and of the wonder of nature. And these experiences influence my art or my approach to my process, whether through my visual art or through my poetry.”

Her portrait work is truly remarkable! Check it out on Instagram.

1.] Where do ideas come from?

I try to do something every day that adds to honing my naturalist skills or my gardening skills, whether it's stopping while I’m out walking or hiking with my dogs to look at the structure and textured bark of a tree [I especially adore ancient oaks] or bending down and getting a closer look at a plant, wildflower, or insect I’m not familiar with. Or listening to the birds when I’m tending my garden and property, delighting in the flowers produced for the benefit of not only the pollinators, but for my joy as well. I believe that openness and attention to detail is a part of what makes my studio time enriching and more productive. I also love to view other artists’ works, hear how they are inspired, partake in weekly “life drawing” groups, participate in a weekly Zoom writing group, and read a lot of poetry and memoirs.

Being an artist doesn’t always mean one is “alone” in one’s studio. I am surrounded in my studio by the voices of other artists who have come before me, aware that my challenges and struggles are not my own, inspired by the fact that they overcame their challenges and struggles to produce fabulous work.

2.] What is the itch you are scratching?

The fact that I can play and have fun at being creative is pure joy. The fact that by showing up in my studio or sitting down to write and create, not waiting for inspiration to come, but grabbing onto it, and then seeing the results is rewarding. Being able to share my poetry and my visual art with people, especially people who don’t know me, but who are moved by it, is completely rewarding. Art is to be shared, and once shared, it takes on an entirely new meaning. I love that.

3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?

I am a disciplined time manager. I have two dogs that I get out on a trail or nature walk from 6-8 miles every day. I have acreage and a garden to maintain, and I get in my studio every day. I’m an early riser, starting my morning by swimming at 6am, but that means I’ve also got “lights out” by 9 or 9:30 pm! I think about art even when I’m not in my studio, think about writing when I’m not sitting down to write. It all helps keep the creativity flowing.

4.] How do you know when you are done?

Ha, does anyone ever know when they’re done? It’s a process. I like to step back, let things settle, whether it's a visual-art piece or something I’ve written. Coming back to it with fresh eyes and ears is a remarkable experience each and every time.