Compelling art from Jennifer Sánchez and Yellena James

The contemporary works of NYC-based Jennifer Sanchez and Portland's own Yellena James truly resonate with who I am as an artist.  I love their use of bold colors and detailed patterning, and their abstract subjects burst with energy and movement.  Sanchez' works remind me of an exciting day at the carnival, and James' a fantastic world under the sea. 

I've arranged their works below to highlight the noticeable similarities.  Strong elements in Sanchez' and James' art include repetitive circles, the color black to help create depth and contrast, and clusters of lines that reach for the edge of the canvas. 

 






















Jennifer Sanchez, ny.09.#07, mixed media on canvas, 30" x 40" x 1.5", 2009.

Yellena James, Thistle, pen and ink on paper, 7.5" x 7.5", 2008.

Jennifer Sanchez, ny.09.#06, mixed media on canvas, 24" x 36", 2009.

Yellena James, Fizz, pen and ink on paper, 7.5" x 7.5", 2008.

Jennifer Sanchez, ny.09.#21, mixed media on paper, 10" x 10", 2009.

Yellena James, Flare, pen and ink on paper, 8" x 10",  2007.

Jennifer Sanchez, ny.09.#15, mixed media on paper, 7" x 7", 2009.

Yellena James, Bluster, pen and ink on paper, 7.5" x 7.5", 2008.

 Sources: www.miss-sanchez.com and www.yellena.com