Jess Peña

Instructional Support Assistant, Photography

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Art Faculty Exhibition Artist

Website:https://www.jessshootme.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jesss.pena/

Biography

Jess Peña is a visual artist whose photography explores the harmonious relationship between people and nature. Their work captures specific moments of integration and reciprocal care, as seen in their ongoing series Bound: The Art of Being. Through this work, they document the quiet and sustainable ways humans coexist with the environment.


 

Artist Statement

My photographic work documents the harmonious connections between human identity and the natural environment. I focus on moments of integration and reciprocity, such as the body adorned with natural forms or rituals of mindful engagement with a landscape. Through a process of collaboration and observation, I create images that showcase a sustainable and respectful coexistence, highlighting how we are an inseparable part of the natural world. 

 

Work Statement

These two works, "Fronds of Ink" and "Off the Forest Floor," are individual pieces from the series Bound: The Art of Being. Together, they explore different dimensions of the human-nature relationship. "Fronds of Ink" visualizes an internal, permanent bond, the body as a canvas for nature's imprint. In contrast, "Off the Forest Floor" captures an external, reciprocal interaction. the mindful harvest of the forest's bounty. They collectively engage the series' central theme of how we coexist with, are nurtured by, and nurture the natural world. 

 

 

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Art Faculty Exhibition Piece

 

Off the Forest Floor
Digital photo, Inkjet Print
12” x18” print /  18” x 24” framed  
 

Image
Art Faculty Exhibition Piece

 

Fronds of Ink
Digital photo, Inkjet Print  
18” x12” print / 24” x 18” framed