Gallery Espresso (234 Bull S t.) will display paintings by Savannah artist Jasmine Borchelt through April 30.
Borchelt is a self-taught artist originally from the foothills of North Georgia, who says she finds inspiration from the natural world, beauty of emotion, and her faith.
Her paintings are a mix of landscapes and abstract, which she explains are meant to evoke feelings of calm, hope and relaxation.
How has nature inspired your paintings?
A lot of my pieces are based on nature. Part of my stuff is more geared toward mountains and then my stuff in Gallery Espresso is definitely more of the marshland, and that coastal feeling. They are also all faith-based and highlight my relationship with Christ, with each painting having a different meaning.
Would you mind expanding on how your faith plays a role in your art?
Art has always been an outlet for me to kind of express myself, and my faith has really helped edge that along. I kind of worship through painting, and get to express all the things that bring me peace.
I understand you’re self-taught. What got you into painting initially?
That definitely came from my dad who is very artistic. He’s a businessman, but that’s been something genetically passed along. Growing up, he painted all kinds of really cool things in our homes, and it was always an inspiration. He would always sit down to paint with us or draw with us.
I just grew up being surrounded by art, being encouraged and helped along with that. Then, when I got older into my young adult years, I realized this is really a passion of mine. I’m so thankful that I grew up around art and have run with it.
Are you trying to evoke a certain feeling or emotion with your paintings?
I would definitely say a big one is this sense of calm and peace. I think it’s such a cool opportunity to connect with people through painting because we’re all human, and we’re all going through different things and struggles. I think that when we can come together and appreciate art, it just kind of alleviates that.
How would you describe your style of painting?
A lot of times, I will just feel the urge to paint. I’ll have a blank canvas waiting around, and a lot of times I don’t always know what it’s going to turn out to be. I’ll put on some music that inspires me, like worship music or something instrumental, and I’ll just tackle it normally.
I’ll start with the colors that are really standing out to me, and I’ll go from there. I normally finish something within a session or two, so once I start, I don’t stop for three or four hours.
What else should we know about you and your approach to art?
Just encouragement for other artists. Being able to freely express yourself in your art is just so special, and not to compare yourself to other people. That’s something that’s hard in the art realm especially with Instagram and everything, you feel like you’re supposed to jump on a trend.
There’s so much more depth in your work being your own workt. It’s definitely been a challenge, but something that I’m trying to stay with and be true to my art and to myself.
For more information, visit galleryespresso.com
