We recently had the opportunity to interview Fairgrounds St. Pete FLORIDARAMA Artist Judy Vienneau. Her diorama, Florida Family Picnic, is a tranquil scene of an afternoon picnic, taking place water-side on a sunny Florida day.
Judy Vienneau is a mixed media artist who lives and works in St. Pete, FL. Her work explores the world of 3D mixed media sculpture with a finely tuned graphic sensibility. The twisted representational wire forms are infused with a bold linear thrust, informed with a commentary on contemporary times. By combining training in traditional sculptural techniques in metal, clay and stone with a concurrent background in graphic design and illustration, Judy demonstrates her expertise as a wire sculptor and recalls Alexander Calder. Her most recent body of work combines Acrylic paintings, collage and fabric as backgrounds for wire figures; these new works also depict her love of social commentary. Vienneau describes her wire sculpture technique as “drawing in space”. Judy has a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston. She has exhibited in galleries and juried exhibitions throughout Florida and the Northeast. Her artwork is part of private and public collections nationally.
Read on to learn more about what the experience of being part of our inaugural exhibit is like for her!
What do you want the public to take away from experiencing the FLORIDARAMA diorama you have created for Fairgrounds St. Pete?
JUDY VIENNEAU: In my FLORIDARAMA “Florida Family Picnic” I created for Fairgrounds St. Pete, I expanded on my personal experience of canoe trips I have taken on the rivers of Florida with my family. I have incorporated Florida wildlife that I encountered, and combined that with some elements of fantasy. My hope is that the public will get a sense of that visual story when viewing my piece.
What about being a part of Fairgrounds St. Pete’s inaugural exhibition is most exciting to you?
JV: I am excited to be part of this unique art installation that highlights the Florida experience and be among the very talented local artists chosen to participate in this project.
Who or what inspired your Fairgrounds St. Pete FLORIDARAMA?
JV: My love of nature and the beautiful native Floridian landscape, along with my personal interaction with it, inspired my FLORIDARAMA.
What is the most significant influence in your art practice?
JV: My artistic medium is primarily wire sculpture. I have been creating wire sculpture, both 3-dimensional and in relief, for over 25 years now. I am heavily influenced by the work of Alexander Calder and also my studies in traditional figurative clay modeling which informs my figurative sculptural work.
Besides Fairgrounds St. Pete, do you have an upcoming project you’d like to share?
JV: I will be participating in the Creative Pinellas Arts Annual 2021 Exhibition this upcoming November, where I will be showing new work.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
JV: I would like to point out to my younger self that life is short and to seize the moment. I would tell me not to waste time on self-destructive behavior, anger and negative actions.
What is your favorite FL destination or landmark?
JV: The Florida State Parks with campgrounds are often destinations for me, particularly around the Suwannee River and its tributaries. Rainbow Springs State Park is a favorite.
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