Janice Friends - Celluclay & Paintings

When I was growing up in the hills of West Virginia during the 50’s and 60’s, school art programs were non- existent. I remember making my own paper dolls and drawing on the backs of used paper and brown bags. The need to express became a part of life. I was surrounded by untouched nature and colorful mountain people. My mother’s music and father’s poetry were the life force that set me on the path to pursue the dream of becoming an artist. Today I see the same beauty and spirit in ordinary people living ordinary lives. I am driven to sculpt and paint these unique people. I want to portray humankind in all its colorful innocence.
“Seeing the humorous side of life and making people smile is what my art is all about,” claims this warm and vivacious native West Virginian. In addition to papier-mache characters, bright paintings line one studio wall reflecting the artist’s ironic attitude. These paintings exemplify a novel interpretation of ordinary people living their lives and doing their jobs.”