Artist Highlight: Janie Korn
Photo by Eric Helgas
After I first discovered Janie Korn’s work through a show she had on display at Dusty Rose Vintage, I was immediately captivated. I spent long stretches of time scrolling through her numerous claymation videos, watching the semi amorphous figures try to navigate the equally amorphous world of love and dating. I found myself relating to these confused-hearted mounds of clay more than I’d care to admit. Yet clay, paint, or wax, Janie’s ability to evoke empathy in her cast of characters is undeniable. She now works primarily in wax candles, and was generous enough to create a custom, cheeky cherry candelabra for Cherry on Top that never fails to stir a jumble of emotions in me every time I look up into its winky, (and possibly heartbroken?) eyes.
Q: Did you study art? If so what, and how did it lead you to start creating?
A: I didn't major in art, but I've always practiced it in some capacity, through classes and workshops. My childhood games always incorporated some visually creative element too, so much that when I try to locate my earliest memories, present too is art in some way,
Q: Name one of your first strong memories of color
A: When I was a kid I would assign energetic color assessments to people's personalities. Purples, blues, greens, etc. Sort of like an aura reading.
Q: How would you describe your work to someone who couldn’t see?
A: Textured, funny, irreverent.
Q: What brought you to NYC?
A: I was living in Latin America for two years prior to moving to New York. I came back to the States and really didn't have any strong pull anywhere, but my sister was here, and figured I may as well be wherever I had roots. Fast forward 9 years and it is the place I've felt most at home in my life.
Q: Why did you choose the area of the city you live in? What do you love about it?
A: I lucked into a marvelous deal in the west village. And really, there's nothing negative I can say about my neighborhood. The apartment isn't ideal, but then I venture outside and it's all charming Italian sandwich shops, postage stamp-size historical theaters, elegant brownstones, etc. etc. I'm so at peace in my neighborhood and never, ever run into anyone I know. Another perk.
Q: Have you ever felt stuck in your style? If so, what did you do to move past this block?
A: I think right now I am working through this. The holidays gave me some time to pause and reassess. It's just part of the deal with being an artist. Your flow gets clogged, but it unclogs eventually, and that's the faith you have to maintain to find yourself on the other side.
Q: What medium do you like to work in?
A: Right now primarily wax. I love that it's temporary - it asks to be melted and destroyed. I'm always struggling with the concept of creating permanent work on this already overcrowded world, and it's thrilling to me that whatever I make doesn't have to be committed to permanence.
Q: What are your passions besides art?
A: I love cartoons and laying around in bed. To a truly passionate degree.
FAVORITES
Food: mashed potatoes, gummy candies, turkey meatloaf, and ceviche
Drink: an americano with a drop of milk, and right now root beer
Read: New Yorker fictions
Film: Betty Boop
Podcast: celebrity book club
Smell: graham crackers
Color: beigey pink
Texture: bona
Song to play on repeat: todos me miran by Gloria Trevi
Self-care practice: solo walks, twice a day, alone
Article of clothing: I wear pleats please multiple days a week bc i's so easy and comfy
Saying: ok....
Time of day: 10 am
Piece of advice you’ve been given: Whenever you’re depressed or stuck, take a class. Doesn't' matter what it's in. Take a class.
Wine: I recently fell in love with this pinky orange wine called “On Es Pas Bien” la by Petite Le Domanine but I think it's impossible to find in the states and I’m bereft.
