MEET THE ARTIST
Some of you know me as Jeannie Offutt. I was born in Washington DC, grew up in Arlington, Virginia and was an art major at Syracuse University.
Some of you know me as Jean Govoni, who worked on Madison Avenue as a "creative" in the advertising business. First as an Art Director and Graphic Designer. Then as a Producer of TV and radio commercials, as well as other videos. Then as a Creative Director. Later on, I added Copywriter to the mix.
Did two stints in New York City and five years in London, England working for some large multinational advertising agencies. Then I spent the second half of my commercial art career as a creative consultant. I started up three different creative consultancies in some of the different places where I've lived: London, Sag Harbor NY, Manakin-Sabot VA, and Arlington VA.
In my painting studio
Some of you know me as Jean Lewis or Jean Offutt Lewis. I changed my name after I got married again, to Todd Lewis, one of my biggest creative encouragers, who helps me realize some of my artistic imaginings. About a year after we got married, I moved away from doing commercial art and moved towards focusing exclusively on creating fine art. That new-found freedom began in Santa Fe, New Mexico where we lived for two years.
It was a topic on our first date: "What is it that you haven't done yet in your life that you still want to do?" My answer was: "Do my art, full time."
One person. Many lives.
Art is what I gravitated towards as a child. It has remained a constant in my life. I love to look at it, study it, and ultimately create it. All throughout my life, even when I had taken on a different last name, I always signed my art using my maiden name: "Offutt," to honor where the artistic gene came from.
Now, here you are on my website. Welcome.
I have more to share with you. My Artist Statement, my Bio, (links are above to view and download) and the stories behind the artwork, which will allow you to get to know me and what I like to do creatively.
Browse around. Look at some of my work: Painting, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Drawing. And if you have any questions, let me know via the Contact Page.
I hope you see something here that speaks to you. Thanks for taking a look.