ARTIST STATEMENT

Artist Statement:

I am a figurative artist whose paintings feature a simple background that highlights the unique aspects that make the figures stand out. I am motivated by the variations in color and hair texture that humans exhibit, as well as how life experiences are reflected in our faces and bodies. I want the audience to connect with my artwork in ways that make them feel hopeful and joyful. I leave room for the viewer to add to the story revealed in the painting.

ARTIST BIO

DR. MATTIE LEE JONES:

EDUCATOR, ARTIST & AUTHOR

At age five, an elementary school art teacher recognized that Dr. Mattie Lee Jones had potential and displayed a drawing of hers in the Indianapolis library. The self-taught emerging artist did not have the luxury of creating artwork full-time, focusing instead on her other passion in the field of education. Attending college resulted in her acquiring a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Education from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana; a Master's Degree in K-12 Educational Administration from Ball State University; a K-12 Teacher Degree from the University of Indianapolis; and an Associate Degree in Marketing from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 After leaving full-time employment in 2023, Dr. Mattie is currently fulfilling her desire to share her love of art with the 2D art that she creates.

 Dr. Jones' artistic practice encompasses paintings and drawings that draw from the rich tapestry of human figures and uniqueness. This work has been featured in several juried events. Meet The Artists, an Indianapolis Public Library annual exhibition, and the Annual FLAVA FRESH! Juried Exhibition Presentation Series of Contemporary Fine Art, the Carmichael First Lady Tea Art Auction, in Carmel, and many exhibits, such as Fishers, Indiana Art Council Juried Exhibits, The Indianapolis Art Center Fall & Winter Exhibits, and Crown Hill Fall Festival. She has an art piece featured at The Indianapolis Crispus Attucks Museum.

 Spanning over thirty years as a teacher, school principal, university administrator, and professor, Dr. Mattie Lee Jone's multidisciplinary research and experience have motivated the artist to pen four books among them the exemplar “What Did Your Parents Do to You”, “NURTURE”, "Disciplining Someone Else’s Children: A Guide for Childcare Providers.", Missing Link and NUTURE II: A Nurturing Approach to Trauma released in the Summer of 2023. DR. MATTIE LEE JONES: