Jodi Hays, an artist known for her captivating collages, presents a selection of her artworks. Hailing from the American South, Hays draws inspiration from the unique cultural and geographical landscape of her upbringing, which she humorously describes as “a place where the kitchen and pharmacy are the same room.”
Grounded in Southern Culture
Hays’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the landscape and material vocabulary of the American South. She utilizes reclaimed textiles, fabric, and cardboard as expressive mediums, imbuing her collages with a sense of resourcefulness and ingenuity reflective of her Southern heritage.
Painting as Note-Taking
For Hays, painting serves as a form of note-taking and knowledge organization. She employs grid systems as scaffolds for repeated patterns, utilizing them to structure her compositions. In her studio, characterized by its rustic charm and bustling energy, Hays orchestrates a dynamic creative process, working on multiple pieces simultaneously with an intuitive approach that eschews rigid adherence to predefined formulas.
Embracing Process-Based Art
Hays’s artistic philosophy centers around process-based art, where experimentation and spontaneity take precedence over prescribed methodologies. Rather than following strict recipes, she allows her creative instincts to guide her, embracing the unpredictable journey of artistic exploration. Through her collages, Hays invites viewers to join her in a visual dialogue that celebrates the joy of discovery and the beauty found in the unexpected.
