Jennifer L. Wambach's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Jennifer L. Wambach of Aurora, one of the artists whose creativity has made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Her bulldog, Northern Illinois Prairie Dog, is among the 14 decorated bulldogs that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora.

Batavia Patch: What is the name of your bulldog and where was its summer home?

Jennifer L. Wambach: Northern Illinois Prairie Dog was by the Depot museum.

Batavia Patch: Who was your sponsor?

Wambach: The Batavia Park District

Batavia Patch: What was the inspiration for your design?

Wambach: A green thumb runs in my family, and I've most definitely inherited the gene. Thanks to my mom's perpetual tinkering in the garden when I was a kid (and me "helping" her), I developed a great appreciation and love of flowers and plants. Some years ago I read in the paper about the Morton Arboretum's botanical illustration certification program and mentioned it to my husband. He replied, "Well, what are you waiting for?" So I signed up for my first class. After going through the Arboretum's program, I developed a special fondness for native plants, as depicted on my bulldog. Also, I was so excited to be chosen to be a part of Bulldogs Unleashed. I've wanted to paint one of these since the '90s when I moved to Chicago and missed out on Cows on Parade by just a couple weeks.

Batavia Patch: How long did it take to complete your bulldog and what media did you use?

Wambach: It took a month and a half; an hour here, an hour there. I was able to paint only when one or more of our three kids were napping or after they went to bed. Total time spent? I have no idea! My initial drawing was done in pencil and traced in Sharpie marker, then painted in acrylics.

Batavia Patch: How long have you been an artist?

Wambach: All my life. Some of my earliest memories are of me scribbling in magic marker on my basement floor. I have a BFA in visual art, concentration in painting and drawing. After school I got a job as a designer but missed drawing. I've illustrated some children's books. Most recently I've been combining all those disciplines in my professional work.

Batavia Patch: Why did you become an artist?

Wambach: I had to! I enjoyed making art far too much to not do it as frequently as possible. There's so much I like to do, it's hard to classify me as an artist. I love to paint and draw, but then I also love to design things on the computer (projects for clients like logos, packaging, postcards, etc.; fabric designs I sell on Spoonflower.) I'm a self-employed designer/illustrator who also does fine art commissions (pet and house portraits, etc.). Most recently and most importantly, I'm a mom to three wonderful little ones (ages 4, 2 and 6 months), which is the focus of my time nowadays. Some day I hope to have a real studio and the time to use it regularly!

Batavia Patch: What are the inspirations for your work?

Wambach: I have many. Post-impressionist painters, abstract impressionists, contemporary fabric designers, folk art from America and other cultures, nature, my kids.

Batavia Patch: What media do you use?

Wambach: I usually use, in no particular order, and usually combined: watercolor, acrylic, pencil, colored pencil, computer (Adobe Creative Suite), collage. 

Batavia Patch: What are the favorite subjects for your work?

Wambach: My favorite subjects for my work are nature, particularly landscapes, flowers and trees, and animals.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Wambach: I have a Web site, jenniferwambach.com, and a blog, jennartdesigns.blogspot.com. Also my work is at the Art House Co-op in Brooklyn, NY and on Spoonflower.