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At Art Dock, we love to get to know artists, understand what they love and what inspires them. We recently had a conversation with artist Jackie Meier to get to know her a bit more and are happy to share what we learned with you!
Q. What’s your earliest memory of creating art?
Early on, my parents always encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush and a pencil, while my sister was encouraged to play the piano - and it was a perfect match for each of us as my sister excelled at playing the piano and I continued to develop my art. Today, I love getting into my studio, turning on my favorite music (Sirius XM, either 70's on 7 or The Message), pulling together supplies and freeing my mind to create. I love working with mixed media and typically will start painting with acrylics, modeling paste, gels and paper. I like to finish in oil to incorporate the bright, intense colors oil brings.
Q. You really enjoy teaching art, why?
Throughout my career I’ve been teaching others in a variety of areas including digital art. I have taught every grade level, including high school at Lake (in Millbury, Ohio) and at Bowling Green State University. For several years, I worked as an Adobe Partner teaching Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat in Ohio and Michigan. [Jackie definitely has a creative side and a technical side!]. I enjoy teaching both adults and kids - my favorite was teaching computer skills to kindergartners because of how committed they were to learn and of course, they’re adorable. I’d say, “Are your fingers on the home keys?” and they would all look up at me and check their hands - so cute.
Q. What do you do to learn and grow?
Now that I’ve retired, I have more time to experiment with art and learn new things. In 2022, I enrolled in the Milan Art Institute’s one-year Mastery program and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was about 20 hours of weekly learning across a variety of mediums and I’d recommend the program to others who want to learn and develop their skills. Through that program, I learned I really gravitate toward mixed media and that’s what I’ve been focusing on.
Next, I’m planning to take online courses with Bruce Marion as I love how he paints animals and I’d like to learn some new techniques to include in future classes.
Q. What have you been doing lately?
I was honored to be invited to do a solo exhibit at the Warsaw Museum at Warsaw City Hall (see this video for a sneak peek). I participated in an Indiana Art Show this spring and met the curator there, so it was a great opportunity. The Warsaw Museum show will run through August and features 31 works in this installation. It was fun to go back to Indiana as I went to Grace College in Winona Lake, so I have roots there and earned a degree in art education.
In 2023, I participated in an art show at Bowling Green Senior Center and now I volunteer to teach acrylic painting to the residents. It’s great to see the progress the students make and how much they enjoy painting. We do a variety of themes, recently painting a beach scene and birch trees, with instruction that is both challenging and achievable. The residents are very proud of their work and so am I!
The most recent adventure was being selected as one of 6 artists to participate in the Community Supports the Arts “CSA” program sponsored by the Bowling Green Arts Council. This is an amazing fundraiser where art lovers buy a “share” of the goods and in return receive works of art from each of the six artists. Learn more about the program here - you’re invited to participate in 2025!
Q. What’s the one thing you enjoy most about teaching?
It’s that breakthrough moment when you can see that the concept or technique just clicks with the student. For me, the most satisfying part is seeing students relate fully to the work.
Q. Whose work do you follow?
I really enjoy the artwork of Canadian artist, Eric Waugh, who’s very prolific and well-known, many of you may also like his pop fusion art style. I have collected four of his earlier works.
Q. How do you find inspiration?
I am always inspired by nature, especially florals, landscape and animals.
Jackie has new classes coming up so be sure to take a look on ArtDock.org and join in!
See Jackie’s work on her website: https://www.jackiemeierart.com
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