I am thrilled to introduce Jana Young to the collective. Thanks to friend and artist Kerry Hays for introducing us. (This is why I love my job, never know who you will meet). Jana’s work is so unique and I absolutely love her latest series “Into The Wild.” My husband and I traveled to Africa a year and half ago, and the animals just capture your heart especially the elephants. They are so powerful and peaceful at the same time. This collection captures the amazing faces of these animals. Learn more about Jana and her inspiration behind this collection below.

1- WHEN DID YOU START PAINTING?

I have always drawn since I was a little girl—but when I got to college and decided to major in textile design I picked it back up and fell back in love! I painted to create my patterns, and enjoyed the way it gave my designs texture and a painterly feel. When I graduated from college and worked in the non-creative field for a few years, I continued painting in my free time as my outlet. This eventually developed into me starting my own company in 2017 and I’m so lucky to be able to do it everyday for my career!

2- YOU CREATED SAFARI ANIMALS FOR OUR RELEASE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION? 

I love creating texture in all of my pieces—which is why I think I have always been drawn to elephants. They are such powerful animals and I love how much natural texture they have on their faces and bodies. Elephants truly fascinate me. The other animals are a product of me exploring these elephants and creating that texture through their spots or feathers. 

4- ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE? AND WHY?

I am obsessed with abstract artists like Cy Twombly, Helen Frankenthaler, Gustav Klimt, and Mark Rothko. I love their color usage and compositions. I especially love how Rothko can explore monochromatic pieces that create an incredible amount of depth. This is something I often try to accomplish in my own abstract work! 

5- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL TO?

In another life I would be living in Italy. There is so much more of that country I would love to explore but everywhere I’ve been has been such an amazing and unforgettable experience. The natural beauty in the landscapes of the city and countryside there are jaw dropping and the food…unreal. Would love to go back there and check some more places off my bucket list like the Puglia region! It looks dreamy! 

6- YOUR GO TO LUNCH SPOT IN ATL?

My family is absolutely obsessed with Gallery Cafe. It is owned by the best people, a couple from France, and the food is ALWAYS amazing. They have artwork by different artists for sale all over the walls. We’re there at least once a week :)

7- FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE IN ATL?

I absolutely love everything in BD Jeffries. I am constantly tempted by what they have in their store and if you ever need to buy a good gift—this is your spot! They have a great range of price points as well. I also love Webb Marsteller—they have really fun accent pieces like mirrors and lamps. I’m lucky to have my work in both of these spots in Atlanta!

8- WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

Hopefully will have or will be starting a family and will have grown my company in some directions I have started thinking about! Stay tuned :)

SEE JANA’S FULL “INTO THE WILD” COLLECTION THIS WEDNESDAY, 18TH AT 9 AM EST HERE ON WWW.LIZAPRUITT.COM