Krista M. Jones, also known as JONESY, is contemporary artist, best known for her vibrant, patterned based murals and complex canvas paintings which are both embedded with symbolism. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbus State University but is predominantly a self-taught painter. After graduating, she worked in the advertising industry as a graphic designer for over a decade then returned to Atlanta, GA to commit to Fine Art full-time. Her canvas works have been featured in exhibitions throughout the United States. She received the Laura Patricia Calle grant in 2017 for Living Walls, in collaboration with four other women for a mural project called “In Solidarity”. She was awarded Gwinnett Creativity Fund grant to create a mural for The Hudgens and has recently received a portion of National Endowment for the Arts grant to help support her solo exhibition which opens in May 2023 at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. She has received public art commissions from notable clients such as City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, City of Chamblee in conjunction with St. Vincent de Paul, The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, Mill Creek Residential/Modera Vinings, Jon Ossoff for Senate, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Livable Buckhead, Path Foundation and Living Walls, the City Speaks. Her murals can be seen around the Atlanta metro area and are rich with vibrant color, stylized flora/fauna, and patterns. Her current body of studio work is painterly and highly influenced by surrealism, cubism and abstract expressionism. She uses color, shape and lighting to express emotion and illustrate aspects of the human experience. Both as a studio artist and muralist she works in series. This provides the artist freedom to explore topics, concepts and processes that may utilize different techniques and styles.
Krista M. Jones "JONESY" | 2023
PASSERINE is part of an ongoing series of murals called FORMATIONS. This series explores the use of vibrant color, patterns, flora/fauna and symbolism to disrupt spaces found in urban environments. The intent is to create organic imagery that helps us engage with places that might otherwise feel sterile or overlooked. It provides an opportunity for unexpected wonder, contemplation and joy. In this mural, the artist uses sweeping color and bold lines to create movement and stylized flora to symbolize change and growth. The patterns are a visual translation of the song of the redwing black bird that is perched to the left. Also known as passerines, blackbirds are said to bring good luck, protection and prosperity. They sing to find a place for themselves and as a reminder that the forces of nature are at work for us all.