Jardan Doneghy

Artist Biography:

Jardan Doneghy, is an Artist, Designer, and Brand Strategist, originally from Frankfort, Kentucky but currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised in art - learning from her Mother, Marjorie Duncan Willis who was a former student of the Art Institute of Chicago and currently creates original work at Duncan Designs Studio.

With a penchant for bright colors, gradients and graphic painting. ,ardan’s interest in exploring girlhood, her southern heritage, and traveling the world translates inspire 'Black Girl Bravery'.

Founder of Wild Sassaby Art Brand, Jardan specializes in creating original pieces, using acrylic paint on canvas, for an array of personal and public spaces. Inspired by her own lineage, made of people, particularly women who 'served and sacrificed to open doors for future generations', the purpose of each piece is to inspire open minds to dream bigger and live more boldly and confidently. The Brand aims to continue creating products and designs that cultivate spaces of bravery.

THE ARTIST PRACTICE

I grew up in a house imensed in the arts, as my mother was a fine artist. It was very colorful, filled with crafts, paints, music, and more. I was able to express myself creatively as I began to navigate the world. That creative freedom always kept me grounded, dreaming big and yearning for greater opportunities and higher purpose. As such, much of my artwork reflects a child-like ambition that encourages viewers to leap through every door opened for them. I call it "Black Girl Bravery," where each generation passes down a piece of themself to the next generation like a bright torch that leads the way to the future.

The goal of my art is to inspire bold and confident living, for those who may not have grown up in a flourishing environment. It’s important for us to be inspired by the messages and imagery around us. I strive to create positive messages through my use of color, contrast and shapes. When people see Wild Sassaby, I want them to feel motivated to dream bigger and not only visualize but realize that anything is possible.

THE STUDIO PRACTICE

I create within collections that represent my story at each transformative period of my journey. Considering the current times, quarantine has had a huge impact on my studio and artistic process. After moving back to my childhood home in Kentucky, I leaned into my art daily. I realized I could serve others through creating messages of strength and positivity. It allowed me time to slow down, intentionally develop a practice, and truly create something I could be proud of forever. I discovered a creative way to serve society while getting back to my roots - art and family.

In terms of my current process, I have two simple rules: (1) don't be too critical and (2) share something meaningful with the world. With these in mind, I incorporate patterns and shapes that reflect bold statements of pride and presence. I use different tools to make precise measurements and textured strokes then seal the edges, giving both a design and abstract aesthetic. Afterwards, I finish each painting with a message of encouragement that serves as a consistent reminder to each Collector.

The two-story white house where Jardan was raised on 317 East 3rd Street, the banks of the Kentucky River in the predominantly Black, South Frankfort neighborhood. Today, the house at "317" not only serves as an art studio for Duncan Designs and Wild Sassaby, but as a reminder to Jardan to continuously live creatively and evolve, in memory and commemoration of her ancestors.