Meet Janna Sammon | artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janna Sammon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janna, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
It is my hope that I have supported my children not only to be proud of who they each are as individuals with unique perspectives and qualities, but to figure out how to bring these aspects to support and work within the communities they engage with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create quirky people and whimsical characters that are inspired by family stories that I heard growing up combined with images from my childhood picture books. Currently, I’m experimenting with recycled fabrics and found objects to recreate the textural quality of my paintings.
The past few years were slow when it came to making art. A few years ago I began to notice how much I was comparing myself to other artists and looking for approval as to what I was creating. I was disconnected from myself and my work. I became so critical of what I made that I was resistant to creating anything, which was painful because the desire to make art was with me every day. So I slowed down, began working with my hands, and connected with the hand sewing crafts of the women in my family. Mending my family’s clothes surprised me. Playing with colors and textures of threads and fabrics renewed my desire and confidence to create.
From childhood I have made things out of what was around me and I am learning to trust the ebbs and flows of life, to know that I will always come back to what is most natural to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
After grabbing coffee at Dog Day Coffee we head to Nervous Charlies for breakfast then walk through the Blanton or Harry Ransom Center. Grab lunch at El Patio. Stroll through the gardens at Laguna Gloria & Mayfield Park. Dinner at Yeni’s food truck and drinks at Night Owl. Other days we drive out to Blue Hole in Wimberly and visit Lockhart to see local art and shops. The weekend is spent at the farmers markets, brunch at Peached Tortilla, and a show at the Paramount.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anything and anyone that engages in life with child-like wonder & encourages me to step outside the box: my children, the artwork of William Steig, my husband, my parents, my friends & art community.

Website: https://jannasammon.com

Instagram: @janna.sammon

Facebook: http://facebook.com/jannasammonart/