Site for Artist / Painter Gina Jrel!

The painting "Uninhibited" has a specific sensory feeling I associate with it. It is the feeling of cool wind blowing through my hair.

The sketch for "Uninhibited" was done very spontaneously. I was invited to a house party n St. George. Knowing there would be a live band playing, I took my sketchbook along, thinking I might get a few good sketches of the band. I arrived, and hung out near the musicians, but didn't feel very motivated to do any sketching.

Leaving the party behind, I wandered upstairs in the house, and found a wonderful room on the top floor that opened to an outdoor rooftop patio. There was a single chair sitting in the middle of the patio, open to the wide-open, twilight sky. I went outside and sat on the chair with my sketchbook. It felt wonderful.

There was a medium-strength wind, cool to the senses, that was blowing through my hair as the sun dipped in the sky and stars began to appear. I had a feeling of freedom, and began sketching "Uninhibited." Looking up at the stars, I began thinking of dreams, reaching for stars that seem out of reach, and grabbing them. This led to the thought of how magical and wonderful it is to aspire to achieve something, and reach for it, and grab it - in spite of all perceived obstacles.

The original title for this painting was "Woman With Wind in Her Hair Reaching For Stars." But when I first displayed it, it was in a "mood" show that included paintings representing different moods. This painting was the one I chose to show under the mood of "Uninhibited," and the name stuck. So, after showing the piece, it grew its own new title.

This piece has special significance for me. It is the symbolic visual for setting goals, reaching for them without distracton or deviation, grabbing them, and completely and intensely feeling all of the magic that the journey of this process brings.

Over the years, many people have purchased this painting (prints, magnets) and have given it to their friends, co-workers, and family members as gifts. I am delighted that this whimsical painting has become, in a way, a visual way of sharing a feeling. I hope it conveys as much feeling for others as it still does for me.