This is my application for the Super Patron Creator Arts Grant!

Large Paintings on Photography Backdrop Paper

Minipop Paintings

Art Books

Poptoon Plush Dolls that I created based on my characters!

My studio table

Hello Super Patron Judges!  Let me introduce myself... My name is Jelene Morris and I love making art! Yes, I'm one of those people that gets giddy at the thought of visiting an arts and crafts store! It's like a candy store to me! I love creating fun and funky paintings as well as other art that will make people smile! :)

Some info about me: I have a BFA in Ceramics from the Univ. of SC, where I made pottery with figurative designs using Majolica. After I graduated, I decided to continue creating my designs, but instead of using clay, I used canvas and paper. I made huge paintings on photography backdrop paper. Some as large as 6' feet or more. In 1998, I decided to work much much smaller. I wanted to get my ideas out as quickly as possible and wanted it to be extremely affordable... so I started a series of paintings called "Minipops" that I started back in 1998, that were 6"x6" - 8"x8" inches that started at $25, and I have made over 1000 of those little canvas paintings! I wanted to make "Pop" art style fun paintings that were small and affordable for everyone.

About 5 years ago, I was asked to be a part of a "Art Book" show, so I created several "Art Books" which have my Poptoon characters drawn or painted in recycled books that you can hang on your wall. I found some old books in my parent's attic and decided to re-purpose them into art! I continue to make these books with love!

I've always had vivid and crazy dreams, so I have a more serious style of paintings called the "Nightmare" series which are based on dreams, emotions, depression, as well as mental health. I think it's extremely important to use art as a tool to express emotions, feelings, release sadness, and to break free from depression. The "Nightmare" series is a series which is definitely a mental health check up. I keep a sketchbook beside my bed especially for this purpose.

Creating art has always been my passion! About 6 months ago, I lost my office job of 8 years (due to foreclosure) and have been creating my art full time. I called this a blessing in disguise, as I wanted to focus back on my true love, which is creating.

What would I do with the grant? I would love to have a much larger studio to create my work... one that is possibly available to the public. Right now, I'm working at home and I would like more space to create larger paintings without restrictions! It would give me the chance to mass produce more of my work! I love creating quickly and spontaneously. The possibilities are so freaking exciting!!

Thank you for this amazing opportunity with this grant and for checking out my work! See more of my art below.

Thank you so much!!
Jelene

I'll just leave one of my favorite quotes here:

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald