Janice Rago
Janice Rago’s website says the following: “She focuses on feminine beauty while exploring new mediums and techniques to bring her work to life.” Rago is regularly featured at the Forward Warrior Mural Festival, and her commissioned work can be seen all over Atlanta. In November 2021 the artist answered a few questions for The Atlanta Street Art Map.
Do you have any childhood memories from your birthplace of Hawaii or from your years as an Air Force brat that influence you today?
Most of my memories are of traveling – my parents loved to travel so I was able to see so many beautiful countries and cultures early on.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I’ve always had a love of art. I’ve been drawn to it ever since I can remember. My mom is creative so I definitely get it from her side.
What were the highlights of your journey from Valdosta, GA to Austin TX, to Atlanta?
I’ve met some amazing people in Valdosta,GA. I moved there from England mid high school so it was definitely a bit of a culture shock but I adapted pretty quickly. Going to VSU was probably the highlight of Valdosta – I loved their art program. Austin was amazing but coming to Atlanta back in 2012 was the best move I made. The art scene here is much larger and more diverse. The art friends I’ve made here are hard working, supportive, and incredible artists that I’m grateful I have in my life.
What brought you to Atlanta and what keeps you here?
I wanted a change of pace and to check out another fun city – It also brought me back closer to family who still lived in South GA at the time. Also going to college in south GA I have a lot of friends from college that live in Atlanta.
How would you describe your art in words to someone who has never seen your work?
I’m a process oriented artist. I love to experiment and try new things. My work consists of fun colors, female figures, florals, and patterns. I enjoy being detailed but also love being loose and gestural in my work.
Your work often features the female form or geometric patterns. How do you integrate this apparent dichotomy?
I like to integrate it with colors, mark making, and just being weird and unusual with it… more in a way that’s appealing to the eye haha. (or my eye I should say).
Diamond shapes are a recurring theme in your work. What does the diamond shape represent for you?
It’s a style I like to bring back here and there in my work. It symbolizes being controlled yet letting loose in how I would splatter the paint inside them.. I called the series controlled chaos.
How is your approach to mural art different from or similar to your approach to studio art?
I try to bring certain elements of my studio work into my mural work when I can. A lot of the time with murals you cater to the clients wants while still incorporating your style into it. I enjoy the challenge murals bring with painting large scale- There’s something so rewarding about it. With my studio work I enjoy getting messy and using a lot of mixed media – I’m definitely more experimental.
In these difficult times (police brutality, covid-19, political division, etc.) do you view your art as a vehicle for advocacy?
I’m not one to really get into politics so I don’t think my work is a vehicle for it really. I like my work to invoke emotion – for the viewer to connect to it in their own way.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I have a solo art exhibition coming up Friday, December 10th called ‘Alchemy’ at Freemarket Gallery on the westside! I’m proud of this body of work – it’s a culmination of my styles over the years, mixing some older styles in with the new 🙂 Please swing by!
Link to Janice Rago’s Website: https://www.janiceragoart.com/
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