Setting the Stage for a Nighttime of Dreaming

In this series, Down Etc honors the artists who value the benefits of a great night’s sleep to their lives and to their art. This month, we are focusing on Jennifer Axinn-Weiss, an artist who began exhibiting her ceramic work at the age of 18 and continues to create works that blur the boundaries of painting and collage, and an educator who has created expressive arts and somatic experiencing workshops for a variety of populations.

“Sky Palace" mixed media on wood

Jennifer believes, “Art is the place where invisible presence can be made visible through image, color, and light. I feel compelled to keep painting in order to capture the subtle aspect of our world, even though it is like chasing an elusive dream that always gets lost in translation.” Jennifer took some time to answer some of our questions about how she integrates life and art, as well as how Down Etc bedding creates the stage for a nighttime of dreaming.

Cats Cradle painting of woman's head

"Cats Cradle" oil on canvas

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a healing artist and painter who works with color, light, symbol, and meditative states. Whether it is through art or private sessions, I support others to connect with their higher selves and unconditional love. I offer people the space to journey within and heal.

What work do you most enjoy doing?

I love getting absorbed in the creative process. It is my joy to immerse myself in fields of jeweled colors. I enter into a space beyond time and all worldly concerns. Very few things compare to the richness of the state of flow: It can be found in so many ways, through painting, dancing or being in nature. It is numinous in nature, and a place where invisible presence can be made visible through image, color and light.

What was your favorite thing about collaborating with Down Etc?

I love that Down Etc sets the stage for a nighttime of dreaming and my work is all about the symbolic language of dreams. This collaboration is the perfect synergy of imagination and form. Down is the perfect complement for my work.
We are both about creating a space to dream and rest.

What was your favorite thing about Down Etc?

All of Down Etc products engage the sense of touch. I love the magic that goes into every pillow, comforter, and project Down Etc creates. I love the feeling of being held inside Down Etc's cloud-like down. It feels like love.

Why art?

Art communicates what words cannot and conveys the ineffable. It offers a place to go beyond thinking and into a state of greater awareness.

What superpower would you have and why?

The ability to free humanity of fear.

Why?

Because there is just too much of it.

May the Moon Live Beyond me painting of orbs and hand

“May the Moon Live Beyond Me" oil on canvas

What is your dream project?

I envision creating large scale installations combining nature sounds and music with huge color field paintings. I would love to offer spaces for people to step out of their busy days and enter into a landscape of rest. It would be held inside a soft sculpture environment made of down pillows and comfortable spaces for people to rest. I would love to scale my work for thousands of people to have that experience.

See more of Jennifer’s art at https://www.rhinebeckfineart.com/jennifer-axinn-weiss and learn more about Jennifer’s mind, body, spirit practice at clearmindarts.com. Follow Jennifer on social media:
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaxinnweiss/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.axinnweiss/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandplay555/

We wish you a great night’s sleep filled with dreams!

The Team at Down Etc