Jolene Dames

Jolene Dames, a self-taught artist from Western Pennsylvania, began her artistic journey in 1998 as a painter's assistant for a local theater despite having no formal training. This leap of faith evolved into a successful 27-year career in the entertainment industry. Dames has contributed her talents to blockbuster productions such as The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Her behind-the-scenes work, which includes creating the visual atmosphere and designing the sets, has left an indelible mark on the visual storytelling of significant films and television series, enhancing the viewer's experience and contributing to the overall success of the projects. Dames is also an accomplished fine artist known for her large-scale paintings inspired by the concept of physical and internal navigation. Her work explores self-discovery, transformation, and the search for true north. Her creative process reflects her life: navigating uncharted territories to transform chaos into beauty. Notably, she employs a unique painting method, working while standing and using a three-foot extension brush. This dynamic approach, where her entire body becomes part of the creative process, imbues her art with movement and energy, creating a unique and powerful visual experience for the viewer. Her love for travel has taken her to all 50 states and over 40 countries, greatly influencing her work. These global experiences, combined with her professional work in movies and television, influence her paintings, which feature layered organic backgrounds juxtaposed with precise, controlled lines. This interplay resonates emotionally and philosophically, encouraging viewers to reflect on their experiences and perceptions. Dames’ artwork has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Carnegie Museum of Art's 2 Minute Film Festival and the New York Academy for Sciences. Her fine art pieces have also appeared in numerous film productions, showcasing her unique interdisciplinary practice that merges her dual identities as a fine artist and scenic artist. This versatility is a testament to her dedication and skill in both fields. Jolene Dames identifies as both an artist and an alchemist, devoted to transforming the raw materials of her life and experiences into works of profound beauty and meaning. Her creative process is a journey of deconstruction and reconstruction: she breaks mental images down to their essence and then reimagines and rebuilds them with intentional layers of meaning. Rooted in the concept of navigation- both physical and internal- her art reflects an unwavering pursuit of true north, inspiring viewers to shift their perspectives, realign their inner compass, and find harmony within life's complexities. Through her work, Dames invites others to explore the dynamic interplay of chaos and control, using her creations as tools for personal insight and transformation. Currently based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jolene Dames blends her work in the industry, her passion for travel, and her creative practice in the studio. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to delve into their landscapes and reflect on how they shape their external realities. Dames opens her audience to discover the beauty within the delicate balance of chaos and control.