The Process behind Like a Wave We Break
Like a Wave We Break is approaching its one-year anniversary in October! Recently, Jane did a mini “interview” with me to share the story behind the book cover art. I’m grateful for the opportunity… once I started writing, I got closer to understanding myself - my desires and my process behind that particular piece and my art in general.
Interview with author Jane Chen
Janet, can you tell us about yourself and your story? What has your journey as a watercolor artist been like?
I am a watercolor painter and surfer who did not see this coming 20 years ago, when I graduated with a degree in finance and worked in New York. I began sketching 10 years ago and fell in love with it like I did with surfing - at first try. My practice has evolved over the years in form, technique, and subject, but my style has stayed true to me. I love teaching and I occasionally offer workshops.
Art has taken me to places I never thought I would go. Last year, I organized my first surfing and painting retreat in Bali. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will unfold.
Turning to the gorgeous work you made for Like a Wave We Break - can you tell us about your process and approach to creating it?
In practical terms, we discussed the idea of an abstract wave. I read your book. I played, experimented and created five small artworks. You chose the painting I took the most risk with.
In energetic terms, I think these were key: our friendship forming in the water. What surfing means to us. Being children of immigrant Chinese parents. Healing. I saw so much of my story in your story. Maybe not the specific events, but in the emotions and flavor of childhood pain and adult struggles. The artwork was the embodiment of your story, of my story, and of the shared story of all of us - who in this world has not experienced loneliness, fear, low-worth, pain? But also hope, forgiveness, joy, love? I related to so much in your book… I felt seen and understood. It was that feeling that I wanted to capture in the cover art - to give the viewer the sense of being seen, inside.
As a local artist, how does Hawaiʻi influence your work?
Hawaiʻi means everything to my work. The cold water on my skin as I duck dive a wave. The scent of a plumeria flower. The colors of the sky behind Diamond Head at sunrise. The sounds of birds (or chickens) outside my window. My community and the amazing support I receive. All that love and wonder in the small and big moments of living here… I put into my paintings.
Where can we see more of your work and connect with you?
You can find me at janetmeinkelau.com and on IG @janetmeinkelau. If you’re based in Honolulu, you can find my prints and select originals at the Magnolia Boutique & Gallery at the Kahala Mall, and Polu Gallery at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Art prints are available upon request. Please contact me if interested.