Janet Best Badger

I’ve been an artist since I could first hold a crayon. Although most of the labels that describe me relate to others: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, “Artist” is mine alone. 

My work is my own interpretation of humanity, one face or figure at a time. It is my way of understanding and conveying the idea that even as each one of us is unique, we still have so very much in common, starting with two eyes, a nose, and a mouth! My work will speak to anyone who has ever looked into a mirror, or gazed into someone else’s eyes. 

I knew I would be a Printmaker during my first college etching course. What began as a personal journey to acquire competence in a very complex field has translated into a way of thinking and creating that is tied to, and informed by the process. If I could only pull one print, I would still be making that plate. Mezzotint has become my main focus. I have experimented with combining some of my mezzotints with the Japanese marbling technique known as suminagashi. Recently I have explored expanding small copper/mezzotint and Plexiglas/drypoint faces with linoleum figures.

My work has been exhibited all over the world, has won awards in several states in the USA, and has been acquired by organizations including the Beaumont Art League in Texas, the Brand Library in Glendale, California, and The Great Cranberry Island Historical Society in Maine.

janet.badger@gmail.com