Artwork by Jodi Reeb
Art has transformed the life of artist Jodi Reeb since she was very young. “At the age of five, I created poster drawings using crayons on blue-lined tablet paper and sold them throughout my neighborhood for a dollar. That’s when the idea was planted that I could make art as a means to make a living. This became my new identity: me as artist,” she says.
Jodi’s work is nature-based and process-oriented. She studied as a printmaker, and because of this, loves to create paintings in series. Her ideas about beauty, abstraction and nature are given form through different mediums such as printmaking, encaustic and acrylic painting, and sculpture. Through tactile painting and repetitive marking, she records her process through layers. “I hope my work is a sensory experience for those that view it. For me, it is an act of discovery,” she adds.
Jodi’s artwork is shown at the Kolman & Pryor Gallery and Art Resources Gallery and Gallery 360. Her awards and professional achievements include: 2018, Artist’s Initiative Grant through the Minnesota State Arts Board; 2017, GAEP – GOLDEN Artist Educator Program; 2017, Castlehill Scholarship for Excellence in encaustic painting; and 2017, International Encaustic Artist Scholarship for established artists.
Passionate about the work that Simpson does for community members experiencing homelessness, Jodi is involved in the Art 4 Shelter planning committee. “I wanted to get more involved with the event because I strongly support Simpson Housing Services and know they make a real difference in Minneapolis,” says Reeb. “I also wanted to spread the word about Art 4 Shelter within my network of artists to gain their support.”
Jodi has contributed her artwork to Art 4 Shelter since the event began in 2011. “I thought it was a fantastic idea to bring the community together through art to support Simpson Housing Services and the work they do. I am moved every year to hear how the money raised directly supports people experiencing homelessness.”
Jodi is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and has lived in Minneapolis for 30 years.
Jodi Reeb’s artwork may be viewed on her website: jodireeb.com.