about the artist
Jean Blackwell Font is a mixed media artist, an arts marketer, and arts administrator based in Miami, FL. She is the co-founder of Font Squared, providing arts marketing to nonprofit arts organizations and artists, and of collaboARTive, a nonprofit arts organization that provides valuable resources to visual artists in Miami-Dade County.
Working in assemblage, mixed media, and collage, Jean uses everyday images and objects to explore complex themes and emotions, delving deep into the human psyche to reveal the unexplored nuances of the human condition. Influenced by artists Betty Saar, Doris Salcedo, Mimmo Rotella, Julie Mehretu, and Mark Bradford, Jean is constantly developing her visual vocabulary to express her bold ideas and concepts.
By telling the stories of everyday people in a way that is both universal and deeply personal, she is creating a timeless body of work that will continue to resonate with viewers for years to come.
Jean holds a Bachelors degree in Art History from Florida International University, where she was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most selective liberal arts honor society. She is a member of ArtTable, the foremost professional organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership in the visual arts, and serves on Grant Review Panels for Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. Her artwork has garnered the attention of important collectors in Miami and is part of Florida International University Special Collections.
Artist statement
Just as I do, my work continues to grow and evolve. My past works, such as "15 Generations," celebrated the diverse beauty, mystery, and inherent strength that unite generations of women. Building on that foundation, my current work delves into the profound impact of ancestral trauma and the remnants of past generations' experiences, which I believe are embedded in our DNA. My art investigates how these legacies shape individual identities, exploring the intersections of ancestry and contemporary existence.
Through personal narratives expressed with a rich visual language, I examine human existence through an autobiographical lens while resonating with universal themes. Central questions of identity and belonging are explored through mapping elements that delve into the emotional and psychological landscapes of geographic locations.
My meticulous attention to detail draws viewers in, inviting them into a space of intimate discovery and serene contemplation. As I transition to larger-scale works, I immerse the audience in an emotional landscape of paper, ink, and paint, blending personal and collective histories into a powerful visual experience.