Jennet Gurbannepesova, named Best Watercolor Artist at the 2024 Travel to Art Awards, sees creativity as both heritage and innovation. She connects Central Asian traditions with new possibilities, from playful techniques with children to digital products for the U.S. creative economy.
The Impact of Turkic Cultural Heritage
My work is primarily inspired by my Turkic heritage and the cultural traditions of Central Asia. My watercolor and mixed media pieces often feature patterns, embellishments, color combinations, and imagery that evoke the region’s nomadic culture, as well as its fabrics, carpets, and architecture. For me, this is a way to stay connected to history and share with viewers the deep spiritual and aesthetic culture of my ancestors.
Artists and Inspiration
My interest in watercolor has been influenced by classical European masters as well as contemporary artists who use transparent layers and expressive brushstrokes boldly. I’m inspired by artists who capture the “breath of water” in their paintings – a combination of lightness, spontaneity, and discipline.
I’m also a big fan of the works of the National Artist of Turkmenistan, Durdy Bayramov. His art really reflects his deep connection with the culture and nature of his native land. His paintings really opened my eyes to how colors and compositions work.
I was also greatly influenced by my art school teachers. My painting teacher taught me technique and helped me see beauty in the simplest things, laying the foundation for my future creative path.
Approaches for working with children and art therapy
I use playful and experimental techniques with children: wet-on-wet painting, imprinting, mixing watercolors with salt or wax, and collages. Art therapy helps kids express emotions without words, relieve tension, and build self-confidence. Kids learn to recognize feelings, open up to communication, and express themselves more freely through creativity.
Watercolor in Washington’s hospitality industry
Watercolor and mixed media have great potential in the hospitality industry. They can create a cozy atmosphere and local identity in hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers. Watercolor can also add sophistication and naturalness to branding, from menus to advertising. In Washington state, where art and creative expression are highly valued, this is especially useful.
Watercolor and the US creative economy
As a creative industry leader, I believe watercolor has the potential to develop the creative economy in the USA. This includes exhibitions, education, art therapy, business collaborations, tourism, and IT (e.g., digital products based on watercolor textures). Watercolor combines tradition and modernity, and it can be integrated into many spheres.
Frolushkina Svitlana
