What is the best thing I love about my work? Freedom.
What is my idea of happiness? Painting. .
What is my greatest fear? Death
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Seriousness.
Which living person in my profession do I most admire? Mahsa Karimi. Visual Artist.
What is my greatest extravagance? A fine red wine enjoyed with friends.
On what occasion would I lie? Just about every waking moment, everyday. To myself. It keeps me going.
What is the thing I dislike the most in my work? Uncertainty.
When and where was I the happiest in my work? In the present. Happiest now.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Stop taking myself so seriously.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I haven’t created it yet. My work continues.
Where would I most like to live? I am happy where I live now.
What is my most treasured possession? My existence.
What is my most marked characteristic? Perseverance. Conversely, stubbornness.
What is my most inspirational location in my city? Route de Nice approaching Grasse Ville. Takes my breath away every time. Medieval Cathedral with backdrop of verdant Alpes and shimmering Mediterranean Sea.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? La Tannerie, overlooking Charles Negre Médiathèque in Grasse, France. Seated under trees watching passing parade of people. Restaurant named for tanneries of 15th Century when Grasse fabricated leather in tanneries. Nauseating odors from production prompted creation of perfumes to mask smells. Tanneries have long since closed, however, Grasse renowned for its perfumes, Perfume Capital of the World.
What books influenced my life and how? One book, ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. Read aloud to me, at aged 17, by my mom, this book remains relevant today. We are all Odysseus, on a journey, facing challenges on our way home. This is my approach to life.
What music would I listen to on my last day on earth? When The Saints Come Marching In.
Who is my hero/heroine in fiction? Odysseus.
Who are my heroes/heroines in real life? Anyone who gets up in the morning, goes out to face the world.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, starring Jimmy Stewart.
What role do stories play in my life and work? I love this question. Grew up with stories. Pop, an illustrator, always told funny stories, of childhood, growing up in Brooklyn, Mom, a writer, sad ones, growing up in Arizona during The Great Depression. Life lesson stories. And if Mom felt I was overextending myself to others, would refer to Anderson’s ‘Little Match Girl’. Or if I couldn’t make up my mind, ‘Princess and The Pea’. Goldilocks. Grimm Tales. Sometimes, as an artist, feel like Sisyphus, reference to Greek mythology, etc. This all factors into my life, adds texture dimension, to my worldview and by extension my art. As art, after all, is a reflection of the self.
What are the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? Always editing my life story. Embellishing as well. Sure why not? It’s my life, no one else’s. And I try not to forget that fact.
Who is my greatest fan/sponsor/partner in crime? Philippe. He is my best friend. And my best critic. Art Historian, knows art. Constructive critic, expectations high.
Which people or companies would I like to work with that would make a real difference in my career? I work with any and all. Possibilities are endless.
What project am I looking forward to work on? Plan to continue painting watercolors of local region. Grasse and Antibes in particular.
Where can you see me or my work? Google my name, Joneen Nielsen. All my information available on internet:
YouTube channel: @artadventureswithjoneen
LinkedIn page, Joneen Nielsen.
website: The Art of Joneen Nielsen
And Instagram: @nielsen.joneen
What do the words ‘Passion never retires’ mean to me? Artists only get better. Passion for creating expands, hopefully doesn’t diminish, with time. The best is yet to come.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite? Niki Gulley. Artist. Susan Cua. Artist. Helen Glassford. Artist.
How can you contact me?
Email: nielsen.joneen@gmail.com
Passion Never Retires 