Artist Feature: Jacqueline Surdell

Meet Jacqueline Surdell - JAX. She is an interdisciplinary artist working with the histories, materials, and processes of fiber and painting. The results are large-scale macrame-tapestry-paintings thinking through the influences of landscape paintings historically and within contemporary culture. 

Read our Q&A with Jacqueline below: What was your process in becoming an Artist?

Both my grandmother and great aunt are working artists and I was lucky enough to grow-up understanding making as a bonding activity between generations. My earliest memories are sitting on the floor of my Oma’s studio — surrounded by the lush materiality of an artist studio: paints, bushes, pallet knives of all sizes, easels, wax paper, flat files, etc. As I child I was in awe of her and her work — and remain so today!Growing up in the midwest, sports are a big part of life. My Dad went to college on a football scholarship and my brother and I spent many an afternoon running pays in the alleyway behind our home. Sports made me feel strong and capable. I can still throw a perfect spiral ;). Around the age of 10 I began playing competitive (year-round/travel) volleyball. I was recruited to play volleyball at Occidental College in Los Angeles where I simultaneously painted, sculpted, and started exploring large-scale macrame. The building up of knots, of something relatively small to eventually make something large, struck me as similar to the ways in which exercise works for the body and ideologically how a successful “team“ works. It just stuck. The laborious process is physically demanding while the forms themselves are similar to organic topographies and historic landscape paintings. What is the most inspiring piece of advice you ever received?

My second semester senior year of college I took a journalism class. The professor is a working editor who brought in journalists to lecture on their experiences and work. The class was riveting and each guest speaker inspiring in their own specific way. I learned, perhaps not “advice” from this course / professor, but the value of curiosity in practice: asking questions. I learned to be critical, skeptical, and then ask how will this work? why this? why not this? what about this? This translates to the courting of the unknown in art making rather well. How do you define yourself or your work?

I asked my mom one word to describe me and she said “effervescent”  - and explained that it was vibrant, celebratory, and often unexpected / dangerous. She knows me, and it makes sense. 
What is the last great book/podcast that you read/listened to?

- When I work I listen to audio books about myths, lore, and fantasy. I recently listened to the Lord of the Rings and am working on the “Eragon” series (currently on Brisenger).
- Recent books: “The Gift” by Lewis Hyde and a text my Oma recommended, “Art and Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Both quick reads full of juicy thought nuggets for artists.
- I often return to the work of Barbra Kingsolver; Prodigal Summer, The Poisonwood Bible, etc. I love the richness of her tone, her words, and her dynamic female protagonists.
What has been the biggest obstacle for you creatively?

I struggled for a long time (and continue to struggle) with my own expectations bumping into the expectations of others. I spent countless hours worried about what others thought of me and my work, which was basically countless hours spent NOT WORKING. If I can give some advice it would be f** what other people think. At the end of the day all you have is yourself. I found that accepting this struggle liberated me in my work (and in my life). This is not to say that you should be impervious to considered critique / comments from trusted individuals, but, when it comes to your work, no one will truly care the way you care. So work that way. Work however you want. This is the anxiety and glorious agency that comes in being an artist. You have all the control and that can be terrifying. It’s just you so make it work for you. Own yourself and resist performing for others. You will be happier this way!What advice to you have for young artists?

I feel so “young” so please take this “advise” with a grain of salt !

1. You have heard it before and I will say it again: trust your intuition. If a situation and or a person doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. Try to enter every situation with the idea of “what can I add to this relationship?” And if the person you’re speaking with is not receptive and reciprocal to that idea then reconsider the relationship.
2. Foster relationships with people and be kind as often as possible.
3. Workout ! run, walk, stretch, do interval training and get on the yoga mat. We owe it to ourselves (and to our work) to stay strong and agile for years to come. #artlete

• I am currently showing “untitled vi {full} naturally nasty goes dark” (pictured below) in “Beginning to See the Light” at Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago IL
• Dates: March 20 - July 17th 
• Link: https://www.hydeparkart.org/exhibition-archive/beginning-to-see-the-light/I will be showing “Untitled I” at Antenna Gallery in New Orleans 
• Dates: April 13 - May 15th
• Link: https://www.antenna.works/gallery/

•  I am very excited to be part of a three-person exhibition at Patricia Sweetow Gallery in San Francisco 

• Dates: September 7th - October 19th
• Link: https://www.patriciasweetowgallery.com/exhibitions/victoria-jang-jacqueline-surdell-lien-truong/

• Solo show at Heaven Gallery, Chicago IL (October 2019)
• Solo show at Wisconsin Parkside, Kenosha WI (Fall 2019) 

Jacqueline uses all different types and sizes of rope in her incredible creation. Check out all the macramé rope, string, and supplies we offer on our website - modernmacrame.com. Our rope is soft, easy to work with & comes in many dreamy colors! Could also be used for knitting, crochet, weaving, gift wrap, jewelry making, household ties & more!

Be sure to follow along with Jacqueline Surdell, and stay updated with Modern Macramé's future events, tutorials, sales, artist features, etc. by signing up for our Email Newsletter!

Let us know if you have any questions or comments: