Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Banas.
Hi Jean, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my painting career in 1974 while my family lived in the Washington DC area. My children were all in school and it was time for me to do something for myself that I had always dreamt of doing — painting. I have accomplished my dream as I have been painting for more than 50 years. Here is a summary of my painting career:
My abstract paintings have been exhibited in museums, in art galleries and on Internet Exhibits throughout the country. My work is in the permanent collection of the Art and History Museum in Maitland, Florida and in the Lake Eustis Museum in Eustis, Florida.
My paintings have earned national, regional and Florida Art Organization’s awards, including 2023 Best of Show Awards at the Art league of Daytona Beach, Florida and the Annual Member Show at The Artists’ Workshop Art Organization., in New Smyrna Beach, Florida,
I was featured in the Growing Bolder Magazine and YOUTUBE Channel. This is a multichannel media platform redefining aging by sharing inspiring stories of seniors who continue to break the myth of aging. The video shows what being a 92- year-young painter looks like.
http://growingbolder.com/stories/painting-with-purpose/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxlbQA_48U
In addition, I have sponsored yearly painting retreats at the Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for more than 15 years. I have also participated in independent study residencies with Steve Aimone and many other residencies and painting workshops over the past 30 years.
My paintings are cohesive and challenging bodies of work, not only joyful and colorful, but work that addresses sexual abuse, slavery and the devasting effects of the Corona Virus. These evocative abstract paintings expose fear and anxiety, with hope, courage, and promise.
At age 93, Jean continues to leave her mark on the artworld.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel blessed to have a loving husband of 73 years who tells me daily how much he loves and appreciates me, even though he is afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and C.O.P,D. Giving Him 24/7 care takes most of my time and energy, leaving me little opportunity to create my paintings. However, whenever I go into my studio, magic happens.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an abstract painter focusing on gaining a deeper understanding of how to express my emotions on canvas so that viewers will feel what I am depicting in my paintings.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My art peers support each other during our paintings retreats and in our daily lives. We have a large community of loving and caring friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeanbanas.com
Image Credits
Lou Fiore, Professional Photographer
