Featured Member: Jari Chevalier

Name: Jari Chevalier
Websites: http://jariart.com, http://livinghero.com, http://jariscope.com
Hometown: New York, NY
Artistic Disciplines: Visual art, writing
Fractured Atlas Member Since: Spring 2008
Fractured Atlas Service Used: Fiscal Sponsorship

Jari Chevalier is a mixed media artist and writer whose current visual work integrates the mysteries of the human body with cosmological and deep sea imagery, conjuring eerie narrative landscapes.  Her influences include Eastern philosophy and advances in science, as well as her travel within Asia and background in poetry.  Her solo exhibition “Mathematics of Ecstasy” is scheduled at seven venues in North Dakota during the 2008-2009 season.

We asked Jari to tell us about her influences and experiences…

How did you find out about Fractured Atlas and what motivated you to join?

“I created an integrative exercise DVD that was videotaped by Randi Cecchine, a New York artist who makes independent films. At one of Randi’s fund-raising parties last year, I made out a check to Fractured Atlas in support of a Cecchine project.

I then joined Fractured Atlas to organize fund-raising for my own project. The Fractured Atlas system is fast, professional, and reasonably priced. I am an emerging solo artist with the need to raise cash fast, in order to take advantage of immediate and near-term opportunities. Fractured Atlas has provided answers to pressing problems and enabled donors to make tax-deductible contributions to my project.

The funding I’ve received so far has enabled me to update my website and purchase materials for continuing current studio projects, while I move forward to raise funds for a perfect-bound ‘Mathematics of Ecstasy’ show catalogue.”

What/who are your biggest influences?

“Visual Art: Anselm Kiefer, Tim Hawkinson, Elizabeth Murray, Matthew Ritchie, Lee Bontecou, Helen Frankenthaler, Fred Tomaselli and Barbara Takenaga.  Literature: Kafka, Beckett, Henry James, William Matthews.  Thought/Spirit: J. Krishnamurti, Vipassana practice and study of Buddhist psychology, quantum physics, shamanic vision. Music: Steve Reich, Bobby McFerrin.  Overall: Loved ones, India, Japan.”

What have been your greatest successes to date?

“Integrative breakthroughs in consciousness and intuitive knowing. Development of patience, empathy, open-minded courage. Release of old patterns of thinking and feeling. Developing the aptitude for synthesis of multidisciplinary study, international travel, and rich life experiences into original metaphorical languages. Recognition of these inner successes through poems published in international journals, serving as a contributing editor for the literary magazine Barrow Street, and creating a solo touring museum exhibition of 25 works within five years of embarking on visual art-making.”

Finish this sentence: the artist’s role in society is . . .

“…to cut new pathways of perception; to venture into psychic wilderness; to provide antidotes to all that anesthetizes people; to create new rhythms and synapses; to crystalize and clarify; to share insight, wisdom, aesthetic pleasure, joy; to invent new codes for our tragicomic follies and the brave, enduring enterprise of life; to pass these codes on to our comrades of the future.”

How can we see, experience, or learn more about your work?

“My current work, exhibition schedule, and contact information is found at http://jariart.com. For my writings and teachings, visit http://livinghero.com (podcast page—interviews with living luminaries and mavericks) and http://jariscope.com (blog page—essays and podcast posts in a chronology).”