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Photographer, mixed-media artist Mercedes Jelinek discusses creative process

 

TRYON—On Saturday afternoon, Mirrorball Gallery, located at 84 Pacolet St., hosted an engaging talk featuring NYC photographer and mixed-media artist Mercedes Jelinek. The event attracted art enthusiasts and the local community, providing insight into Jelinek’s artistic process and unveiling a new series of works exclusive to the gallery. 

Jelinek resides in Brooklyn and has had her work shown in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim. As an instructor at the Penland School and a board member, she has built connections with Mirrorball Gallery owners Alexander Page and Vincent Martinez, who also serves on the Penland board. 

Jelinek opened her discussion with her mixed-media series, “Miscommunicated Secrets,” which was already on display at Mirrorball. She describes it as an artistic representation of a particularly embarrassing day from her past. Her experience dealt with a capsized catamaran while instructing three young girls in sailing. 

“In moments of terror and exhaustion, like capsizing a catamaran, I realized how new experiences alter us, blending trivial thoughts with profound realizations,” Jelinek shared.

In the series, she incorporates Spencerian script to convey the secretive essence of her themes. 

“Cursive is a skill that hasn’t been passed on, and I find it fascinating that many people see it as mere squiggles,” she added. “What a great way to keep a secret.”

Jelinek also introduced her latest series titled “Rough Seas,” which Martinez noted is exclusive to Mirrorball. 

“It’s not going to be in any galleries in New York or Miami, only here at Mirrorball,” he said.

Throughout her presentation, Jelinek elaborated on her creative process, blending personal experiences with artistic exploration to create emotionally resonant prints. 

“You’re the first people to see this literally,” she remarked, referring to the new series laid out for attendees to admire. Those in attendance praised the minimalistic approach and elegance of the designs.

To enhance accessibility, Jelinek chose not to frame the prints, allowing buyers to display them in their own way. 

“I think everybody should have art that they want and that they like,” she stated, promoting personal interpretation in art collections. She also proposed an innovative method for collectors to display art using magnets instead of traditional framing, widening the possibilities for showcasing art.

For those interested in owning a piece of the collection, the prints will be available at Mirrorball Gallery.