Artist Interview: Janet Fagan
How did COVID-19 change, influence, or impact your work for this project?
When COVID-19 began to impact Seattle, I was struck by how quickly so many pivoted their focus to helping others. Signs of support went up in windows, friends started sewing masks, and free libraries filled with essential goods. Neighbors were checking on neighbors and despite being asked to stay “in”, people were looking “out” to see where and how they could help those around them. I was so very moved and proud of the Seattle community. These observations and the deep feelings of unity with strangers stirred in me and had a direct effect on the work I created – most notably with the content of my “take action” piece. As I searched for a way to convey the power of the individual efforts I was witnessing, I focused on the simple idea of connection across boundaries and the growth that comes from working not for yourself, but for others. One person really can make a difference and I was seeing this all around me.
Image by James Negris
What is inspiring you and your artistic practice at this moment?
Recently I was able to hike through some of the areas burned by wildfire east of the Cascade Mountains. Acres and acres of blackened trees stand bare, spears pointing skyward. There is an incredible somber beauty within this stark landscape, but what is most inspiring to me is the resiliency of life that is imbuing the monochrome of the burn with color. Electric greens of new growth fill the blank spaces, clusters of baby pine trees and profusions of wildflowers crowd into the open areas while returning birds fill the sky with sound and movement. Watching nature transform in response to stress is an amazing metaphor for these challenging times. Just as life returns when it seems that all is lost, each day gives us another opportunity to find hope, wonder, or connection in what is before us.
Image: Artist's studio and studio cat, Dune
Out of the four themes key to the foundation’s work, is there a theme that resonates the most with you and your art?
Definitely the “Take Action” theme. I was fortunate in that I grew up with parents that modeled making a difference through “Taking Action” consistently throughout my life. I was always encouraged to think of others before myself and figure out ways to make life better for all. Through the dedication and efforts of my Mom and Dad, I saw first-hand the impact that the actions of one person could have on the lives of others as well as the power of working collectively on issues too large for one person alone to change.
Largely due to the influence of my family, simply making art for art’s sake has never been enough. My practice is a platform for me to teach skills, to build confidence, nurture, and inspire. From my profits, I give back to organizations focusing on social justice, environmental conservation and protection, education, and access. As one person, I am able to work and volunteer my time and find ways through my actions to create change, but by supporting larger networks and organizations with donations I can be a part of a larger collective change that we all have the ability to power.
Image: Take Action in process
What do you hope people experience in viewing your artwork?
In making art, I hope to communicate emotion to my audience. In feeling, there is hope for reflection and in reflection, there is hope for action. What if looking at an image could inspire one to feel more deeply and act from the heart? A deep connection to nature inspires my work and my goal is to share this connection and encourage people to act from love toward this world of ours and all of the life that moves through it.
