Inside the Studio with Juniper Briggs

For this installment of our Inside the Studio artist interview series, we spoke with Juniper Briggs, a mixed media painter with a focus on abstract faces and figures. Based in Virginia, Juniper’s work explores themes of beauty and contemplation with an exuberant hope that stems from her Christian faith. Her paintings deal with ideas such as whimsy, joy, gratitude, reflection, faith, longing, sisterhood, strength and vulnerability. Read our discussion with Juniper below, where we learned about her background, prominent influences in her work, how she works through her creative process, and much more. 

Our Interview with Juniper Briggs

Where are you from originally and where are you located now?
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina in a little community filled with potters, painters and glass blowers. Nowadays, I work out of my home studio in Virginia. I love our community here. We have access to everything but the beauty of the countryside is nearby with farmland and vineyards all around.

How did you get started as an artist?
I’ve always made art in one form or another. Painting was something I dabbled in but I didn’t consider myself an artist and never shared my work with others. After a move across country and the birth of my second daughter I was craving a more consistent creative outlet. It was the early years of social media and I started painting regularly and sharing finished works on Instagram. My paintings resonated with people and I set up a website where I could offer my work to collectors. That was over a decade ago and I’ve been a working artist ever since, collaborating with different brands and galleries along the way. It’s been a wonderful ride. 

In what ways do you think your background informs your work today?
Growing up around so many artists, curiosity and creativity was just a normal part of life. That way of thinking really stuck with me. I’m not afraid to try new things or experiment which hopefully allows my work to stay interesting and dynamic.  

What is your creative process like?
I’ve said this before but the thing I love about creating is that it’s something I can’t explain. No painting process is the same. It’s a beautiful mess of instinct and the only time that I don’t overthink. There are definitely times when I sketch out the composition before transferring it to the canvas. Other times I just let the painting lead me without any plan at all. Either way my process involves a lot of spur-of-the-moment gut decisions regarding color, shape, and composition.

What’s the most challenging part of the process?
Knowing when to stop and when to keep going. There is no formula. Each painting is so different in terms of what it needs.

And the most rewarding part of the process?
Hearing how my collectors respond and connect to my work. That means a lot to me.

You’ve said that your time traveling in Mexico and Spain influenced your style. Can you expand on this? What is it about those locations that impacted you most and how do you feel you incorporate that influence into your work, whether overtly or subtly?
I could point to so many things. The brightly pigmented colors, pattern play, storytelling and two-dimensional figurative style that I saw in both Mexican folk art and Spanish cubism, made a huge impression on me. It was never a conscious decision but as artists we tend to soak up our surroundings in ways that later make their way into our work. Beyond that though, I was struck by how both cultures seemed to embrace the idea of appreciating simple pleasures. I wholeheartedly believe that God’s love shines through the beautiful ordinary moments in life. That something that I hope is also reflected in my work.

You paint women (both portraits and more figural compositions). Why women? What is it about the figures or faces of women that inspires you?
As a woman pulling from my own experiences, focusing mostly on the female form feels natural to me. It’s as simple as that. 

What is it that drew you to Cubism?
I’ve always drawn to figurative art. The abstract nature of Cubism allowed me to be much more playful and expressive with my work. I love incorporating shapes and fitting things together in unexpected and whimsical ways. 

The women you portray sometimes are depicted with backgrounds – small houses, trees, or holding flowers, fruits, etc. Do these added elements typically have any significant symbolism, or are they more purely the product of aesthetic design decisions?
It depends… There are times when the background has to do with what I want the painting to say. Other times it’s about adding movement and depth to a piece. There are also instances when I am more precise with my symbolism. Lately, for example, I’ve been incorporating butterflies into some of my work because of the transformation they represent.

From your first painting to those you create now, has your work overall changed? If so, in what way(s)?
When I first started painting, I made mostly abstract pieces. Everything was experimentation and trial and error. It felt like I was battling between what I wanted to say and what I was able to paint. Eventually I transitioned to figurative work. Now that I’ve been painting for over a decade, I’ve had time to developed my own artistic process and language so to speak. It’s easier to communicate what I want to say in the way I want to say it.

Are there any particular artists who have inspired you or to whom you feel connected in some way?
I have been especially drawn to the work of Henrí Mattise lately. His use of pattern, figures and color is just extraordinary. A few other favorites would be Fernand Léger, Marc Chagal, Paul Gauguin, Picasso, Milton Avery, John William Godward and Gabriel Rossetti to name a few.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self as an artist, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to take your work seriously and start sharing it.

What is your goal as an artist? Is there any particular message you want to send to viewers?
My work seeks to call attention to the beauty hidden within ordinary moments of pause. Whether that’s stopping to think something over, spending time with friends, enjoying the warm sunshine on your skin, or simply smelling the flowers. It’s these unassuming, often overlooked experiences that I am most drawn to exploring.

Now for something different: Are you a morning person or night person?
Night, but I paint best in the late afternoon.

Cats or dogs?
I have love for both, but probably dogs.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Mountains or ocean?
Mountain rivers.

True Crime or Rom Com?
I used to be into True Crime but I’m definitely more into the levity of Rom Coms these days.

If you could be any animal, what would you be?
Hmmmm…. Maybe an otter because I love the water and how playful they are. Or maybe a bear. I can relate to their loyalty, love of food, need for hibernation and fierce motherly instincts. 

What’s your favorite place on earth?
On a river bank in the Blue Ridge Mountains or wherever my family is.

Explore all paintings on paper by Juniper in her Artist Collection, or contact us to learn more about collecting her original artwork.