Q&A – Questions & Artists – Jan Comstock

“Irises & Peonies,” 20×16 oil painting, by Jan Comstock.

Artist Jan Comstock and her artist husband Rob came to Door County because of its artistic environment. Their home/studio is located on Highway 57 in the heart of Door County. Jan was born in the small town of Aniwa, near Wausau, Wisconsin. Growing up she knew she wanted a career in art and as you will read she achieved this goal.

Randy Rasmussen (RR): Jan, give the readers some information about your art education.

Jan Comstock (JC): After graduating high school I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Superior and I did consider teaching. In reality I found I was in love with ‘doing art’ and I chose a career emphasizing graphic arts.

RR: What did you do career-wise before you came to Door County?

JC: My husband and I operated a successful sign shop in Marshfield, Wisconsin. We were both interested in pursuing a creative lifestyle. We painted billboards of all sizes and I also did logo design. We entered several competitions for our sign work and won several significant prizes.

RR: After you moved to Door County you worked at the Peninsula School of Art and then the Hardy Gallery?

“Quiet Moment,” 14×11 oil painting, by Jan Comstock.

JC: Yes, I started out in an administrative position at the Peninsula School of Art and then became assistant director. Following this position I became executive director of the Hardy Gallery.

RR: Were you able to continue your artwork while working in these positions?

JC: I really had difficulty during this time finding the creative energy to paint. I am now back to painting full time.

RR: So, now you are a full time artist?

JC: Yes, and greatly enjoying the process.

RR: What mediums have you worked with and what is your medium of choice now?

JC: Doing signs and logo design I used a wide variety of enamels. As a graphic artist in many cases I used watercolors. Now I exclusively paint in oils.

RR: Who are some of your favorite artists?

JC: I enjoy the work of many artists but Andrew Wyeth, Richard Schmid, and Daniel Greene rank near the top of my favorites.

RR: Describe your work?

“Sentinel,” 12×12 oil painting, by Jan Comstock.

JC: In my work I try to create an emotional connection with the viewer. Sally Slattery from the Pulse wrote a piece about one of my paintings “moving” her emotionally [Volume 16 Issue 33 “The Intrigue of ‘The Dreamer’”]. If I can receive an emotional response from the viewer I think I have achieved my goal.

RR: Has your work changed over the years?

JC: I have been changing and improving. I grow with each painting. I was “tight” when I did my watercolors. I still enjoy detail but I have loosened up and become more painterly.

RR: Do you see an interest in art in the general population?

JC: That is an interesting question. Things are changing. When I was with the Hardy we tried to make art accessible. We encouraged activity for everyone.

The Internet and other influences have changed what we call art. Some museums have video games on exhibit as an art form. I think the general population’s perception of what is art has changed and this may not be a good thing.

RR: Thank you.

For more information about Comstock and her work, visit http://www.jancomstock.com.

Comstock currently shows at Woodwalk Gallery, located at 6746 Country Road G in Egg Harbor, open daily 10 am – 5 pm. For more information about Woodwalk, visit http://www.woodwalkgallery.com or call 920.868.2912.