Reframing What We Notice: The Art of Spiderfish Studios
At Spiderfish Studios, I make art that observes curiosity, whimsy, and contradiction. I feel this makes sense, as this is also a reflection of how I see myself and how I view the world around me.
To translate my thoughts, I work with bold color, layered texture, and a range of materials, including ones that are often overlooked, like cardboard, to explore themes of transformation and worth. My background in environmental studies shows up in quiet ways: in the themes of permanence and disposability, in the way materials are reused, and in how I honor what’s usually unseen.
A Cohesive Style That Welcomes Variety
While my subjects vary from expressive figures to koi fish, pizza slices, lemons, and imagined worlds, my visual language stays grounded. I use strong shape, movement, bold colors, and emotion as anchors. Whether abstract or figurative, each piece carries a certain energy: a blend of playfulness and introspection, just like me.
What ties it all together isn’t the subject; my work is about noticing what’s around me.
Small Scale, Big Story
Many of my original paintings are 4×4" miniature, intimate works that are collectible and personal. I don’t treat them as sketches or starters. They are complete. From hand-sculpted frames to layered finishes, they’re designed with the same care I’d give a large canvas. The size invites closeness and a moment of pause. I also feel these pieces allow for a much more accessible price point for many, welcoming more collectors looking to curate amazing spaces for themselves with original works.
Material as Message
Using reclaimed or everyday materials is a conscious choice. I want to challenge what we define as “valuable.” A piece of cardboard can carry meaning for the viewer by speaking to resilience, resourcefulness, and the beauty of the overlooked. I make pieces that don’t need to shout to be seen, and their message still stays with you.
Join Me
If my work speaks to something in you, either a feeling, a memory, or a sense of curiosity, I invite you to bring that energy into your space. Each piece I make is one-of-a-kind, created with care and intention, meant to be lived with, noticed, and returned to. Whether you're starting your collection or adding something new to your space, you're not just buying a painting, you're supporting an artist who believes beauty can be found in the unexpected, the odd, and the whimsical.
Take a look around. See what pulls you in. And if it does, trust that feeling. It’s probably meant for you.
Explore the collection → spiderfishstudios.com/art
Thank you for being here. There is much more to come!
Always,
Jen
My May: A Gallery Exhibition, My Wedding, First Art Fair
The last few weeks have been filled with new experiences for me both personally and for Spiderfish Studios! Let me get you all caught up now that I’ve been able to catch my breath!
A Gallery Exhibition
In the beginning of the month I attended the Pacific Art League’s gallery exhibition. It was extra special for me because my digital art piece, Pose, was selected by a jury to be part of the exhibit. Thank you to all those who came to support and admire the work of local artists! It was an evening to remember.
I’m also thrilled that Pose won a People’s Choice Award, as one of the pieces voted on the most by the visiting public as their favorite in the exhibit. It’s a huge honor, and I’m super grateful for the support for this piece, as it was the first I ever made for Spiderfish Studios. Pose, is there through June 24th in Palo Alto, CA, so you can still check it out!
Pose - 2023
I Got Married!
The first part of the month we were busy getting ready for our wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico. Yes, we got married! It was beautiful and everything we had hoped for, and the day also served as a 10 year anniversary celebration. After the wedding, I was exhausted, and I later found out why.
COVID
After moving over to the town Sayulita to enjoy a few more days in Mexico, I started not feeling so great. My skin was super sensitive, chills, congestion, and I had muscle aches and more. After a few days of it getting worse, it was clear we had to go home early. When we got home, I tested positive for COVID for the first time. I feel super lucky that I didn’t get sick until after our wedding!
A peek into our time in Mexico
The Box SF Art Fair
While resting up I started prepping for my first art fair! I was so excited to see the in-person response to my work. At The Box SF, pieces found homes with some wonderful Bay Area collectors and I enjoyed meeting so many people who are passionate about artwork. My fellow vendors were so fun to hang out with and get to know better. I know we will keep in touch.
The Box SF Art Fair
Spring News!
The weather is getting warmer and inspiration is in the air! I’m creating lots of new pieces and have been collecting new pieces to add to my own collection. I find nothing refreshes a space quite like a good Spring cleaning, moving around the furniture, and adding new life to your space with new artwork on the walls. Wouldn’t you agree?
In the spirit of Spring newness, I have added lots of new mini pieces to my website to offer to those looking for something to spark some fresh joy in their space. What I like about minis is that they are a much more affordable way for someone to dip their toes in the world of handmade art pieces. I think once someone starts to buy original art it’s certainly hard to go back. They provide a space with an energy and luxuriousness that is hard to put a finger on. It’s just special. I find that it connects us to another human, knowing that they took the time to dream up and make what we are looking at.
4×4 inch Sushi Painting
Also, I’m excited to announce that one of the pieces from my figure drawing series has been selected by a juried panel to be exhibited at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto and will be up for sale there from most of May-June. This is a great way to see work from local artists in the Bay Area up close! I invite you to view my website for more information.
Enjoy the beautiful weather!
-Jen