ieneke jansen

THE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERIES

The Different Colours of Domestic Violence Series came to me as a therapeutic cleansing of sorts for myself. Having come out of an abusive relationship with someone left me feeling many things but mostly empty, ashamed, fearful, guilty, powerless & alone!

This is a common theme of emotions that a person feels when being violated by another. However, I did not want to paint anymore. I couldn’t. I had major “painters block” and it bothered me to no end.

Then I came across a beautiful soul named April Mansilla, who is an artist – April Mansilla and uses different mediums to express herself; her work is straight from the heart. I saw her Series of Hope and asked her about it. I learned she did this all in oil pastels. I was so impressed as her depictions were not what someone would normally want to hang on their wall, as the subject matter is very sensitive. Her honesty & in revealing her true self to the world was my first inspiration for the series. I had never used oil pastels but thought I would give it my best shot. Thank you Chicka xo

Art is therapy all in it’s own right, so I slowly started trying to depict the different emotions that one has to endure while in a relationship that is violent & abusive. And there are so many emotions, hence the title of the series. I wasn’t only thinking of me as this series made it’s way to fruition; I was thinking of everyone around the world, be it men/woman & children who have to face & deal with the debilitating factors that domestic violence has on one’s mind, body, heart & soul!!!

I live, love, breathe & dream of art every single day. It is a passion for me that I could not live without. I will never be able to express my gratitude & abundance of love to & for my parents, who saw something in me long before I did. It was their realization that I had something ‘there.’ My Mom & Dad are the most valuable blessings I have in this life and I will be forever & eternally grateful to them for being exactly who they are.

I want to thank Trevor for allowing me to vent through my art, even though sometimes at a snails pace, he was such a “rock” throughout this process as I spent long hours tucked away in my studio. He helped me with constructive critiques or if I asked him to give me his opinion, he would do so honestly. I appreciate all his wonderful notes he left for me and his awesome shock at how beautifully some of the portraits had ‘come to life’ since he had last had a peek at my progress. He always let me know how proud he was of me for showing the world something they probably did not want to look at! His encouragement truly helped me get to the finish line. He is the most kind-hearted man I have ever been fortunate to have in my life. He is a true Treasure. XO

As if anyone didn’t know already how much I love my children, Angie, Andre & April…well I’m not sure how comfortable it was for them to watch me show the world this kind of artwork. However, I have always taught them to be honest, speak your mind, to respect others and be true to yourself. They do just that in their lives & I am so very proud to be their Mom but most importantly, I feel so blessed to watch them making their way through their lives with integrity, dignity, honesty, values, principles, love, kindness & respect for others! They chase their passions and do so with hard work, diligence & determination. And the only time they look down on anyone is to help them up! They are…my Angels in disguise :)))

I have a few more people I would like to thank along the way. Ron Sombilon for seeing something authentic & unique in EVERYONE…this man is one of the most positive and uplifting spirits on this earth. He saw something in me and let me know. He touches so many lives every single day that I’m sure he has a few clones out there in Vancouver. I don’t know how he does what he does but as he says on his website, something that changed his life forever, a quote by Denis Waitley “Chase your passion, not your pension!” My exchanges with Ron were uplifting, fruitful, positive and full of raw energy to go get what you were put in this world to do. He can crack open anyone’s painters block, as he did mine! If you haven’t seen what he is all about yet…I suggest you go and look! He’s a powerhouse & all to help others in every walk of life! You can visit his site at Ron Sombilon Gallery Thank you Ron, even though we don’t chat very often lately, I still think of you often, your work and all the positive that can come out of doing what you love. You are walking, breathing, living proof!!!

Nadia Nadia Nadia...thank you for that comment you made on “Can Anyone See This?” I had every intention of displaying these portraits in an open forum one day to raise awareness about this horrific epidemic that plagues our neighbourhoods, our friends homes & sometimes even exists our our own families. We cannot see what the victims will not allow us to see as it is usually a hidden shameful existance. My hope was that I could reach out to others so they could realize they have a voice, they do not have to stay in a relationship that is harmful and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So I also appreciate the fact that you put me in touch with the women at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, otherwise I would not be a part of this Art Exhibit.

Another woman & friend of mine, who’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed is Michelle Johnson Major Bava. She is working on behalf of all women through her art and speaking engagements. She has dedicated her life to helping others and she is an absolutely amazing person and I am proud to know her. You can visit her site at Michelle Johnson Major Bava . Thank you Michelle :)

I also want to thank all the people who commented on my portraits, the people who did not, the people who said it’s too scary to look at or I “can’t” look at those, because it means you saw them and it made you think which in turn made you aware, to some degree or another. I appreciate all the feedback, comments, likes and compliments. Thank you my fellow Bubble Buddys for all your encouragement and comments here on RB…you truly kept me going with all of your inspiring words, emails & compliments. My deepest appreciation to you all!!! :)

My H.O.P.E. (Helping Open People’s Eyes & Ears) is that in portraying an ugly, sometimes brutal reality to all that they will lend a hand, an ear, a bed & a safe haven to someone in need. Yes, there is power in money, as money can move things along rather quickly. However, I honestly believe in my heart that the real power lyes within people helping people, one human being at a time!

Here’s hoping this small ripple in ‘my’ water can possibly start a tidal wave!!!

Peace, light, love & hope to all…

God bless,
Ieneke