November/December Honeycomb Cafe artist creates whimsical painting
Sometimes when near the ocean, life seems to slow down. Time dissolves, and the sun reflecting off the saltwater fuzzes the view and makes colors evolve.
Kay Jones’ paintings show this transformation while reflecting the magical and relaxed emotion of being immersed in the moment. Her creations are playful, even fanciful, and showcase her personality. Jones’ seemingly simple artistic descriptions of animals and sea creatures provide a shine of life and pop of color.
The Bluffton resident fell into painting after going to a painting party with friends. Something excited her about creating and, once she had time, she delved into the practice. Jones loves to paint objects, particularly those found in nature, and enjoys bringing an otherworldly aspect to her subjects.
For the next month, diners at Honeycomb Café on Daniel Island will have the chance to view and potentially take home her whimsical creations. The Daniel Island News recently asked Jones to tell us more about her artistic journey.
Lucie Couillard (LC): Where are you originally from? And what brought you to this area?
Kay Jones (KJ): I was born and raised in the North Carolina mountains. I moved to Charlotte the day I married the love of my life 34 years ago. My dream was to live near the water these empty nest years, hence, Bluffton has become home. We moved here this past May. I was blessed to be a stay at home Mom. We have two great children, Chase and Megan. We are a family of strong faith. The raising of children years for me was glorious - embedded in our local church and invested in Charlotte Christian School. Serving and volunteering was my life.
LC: Could you tell me a bit about your life and experiences that led you to where you are now?
KJ: Today, my ministry is varied. One ministry that I particularly love is being a Chaplain for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. Ministering to those who have been affected by disaster, recently, with Hurricane Matthew. I was able to minister to my neighbors right here in Bluffton and Hilton Head.
LC: When did you start painting?
KJ: Painting is a beautiful release for me. Not until I bowed out of several volunteer responsibilities did I have the time to explore painting. Just two years ago I went with a group of girlfriends to a painting party. Putting brush to canvas was exhilarating! I loved it! Who knew I could paint a cow? The next couple of months I took lessons at the Andy Braitman Studio in Charlotte, and then studied under Heather Sink in Beaufort, N.C. during a 5 month stay there! My husband and I rented a great house on Taylors Creek! I have been to a couple of workshops as well, but, quite honestly, love to paint on my own.
LC: What is your inspiration to paint?
KJ: I love acrylics and lean towards whimsy. I just giggle when I successfully paint an octopus and his eyes look at me as though he would like to tell me a story. I love to paint colorful, vibrant crabs!! The first painting I sold in Beaufort was a Coastal Crab and it thrilled me that the buyer loved it as much as I did!
LC: What is the process/ ritual of your painting?
KJ: I play classical inspirational music. I pull up an image on my iPad and go at it! I get lost in painting - time flies and I am giddy with the process.
LC: What are you looking forward to at the Honeycomb showcase?
KJ: My hope is that each piece of whimsy will find its way into a Daniel Island home. And each new owner will smile when they look at God’s creation and giggle every now and again.
LC: What artwork will be featured at the Honeycomb showcase? Will your pieces be for sale?
KJ: All the pieces I have at the Honeycomb are for sale and I love to do commissions as well. I am a fast painter, so I have accumulated several whimsical creatures that need good homes so I can paint more! I sell my art mainly to “support my habit “ and to share a bit of whimsy with friends and strangers who like what they see! Which still amazes me!
View Jones’ work in November and December at Honeycomb Café, located at 162 Seven Farms Drive, Unit 340, on Daniel Island.