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THE BEGINNING
Jean Wilson grew up in Minnesota and was fascinated by the alphabet at an early age. She tells of her start, “My very first writing is documented because my mother saved the piece of paper. I asked her to teach me how to write my name and she put the date on the paper. It was shortly before my third birthday. I always enjoyed art but anyone can tell from my early work that I had very little natural ability. However, I was never interested in anything other than art so I chose graphic design as my major at Drake University.”
In her second year at Drake, she switched to a major in painting because she wanted to study with Jules Kirschenbaum. He made sure that she understood that a degree in painting did not exactly qualify her for any particular job. “I frequently thank my parents for allowing me to be a painting major. While it did not assure me of a career, I believe it offered valuable lessons that have had a lasting impact on my life.”
After college Jean worked for a few years in graphic design then took off a few years to raise children. As graphic design moved to a computer based career, Jean decided that she was not interested in following that path. “While looking for a new artistic outlet, I found calligraphy classes at the Des Moines Art Center taught by Cheryl Adams. Her class in pointed brush lettering was the one that truly fueled my obsession with lettering. I believe that my early love of the alphabet came together with my formal education in painting.”
Jean learned every style offered by Cheryl Adams and even traveled to take classes with some of the master calligraphers. She eventually started doing work for clients and moved into a studio.
 HER WORK
Letterforms are at the core of all of Jean's artwork. Her calligraphic work includes envelopes, framed pieces on both paper and calfskin, handmade artist books as well as writing and flourishing directly on walls. Sometimes the lettering is abstracted, but there is a strong graphic element to all of her work.
 “I am inspired by letters, words, and names. Most of my work is done for clients and it is gratifying to transcribe words into an original piece of art that the client has envisioned. I especially love envelopes. While it is a humble medium, people often treasure their envelopes.” Jean has envelopes that are in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Postal Museum and two are currently traveling in an exhibition. “Most people would not think of an envelope as a work of art,” Jean shares, “but, most people have not seen an envelope that was intended as a work of art.”
Jean creates some of them very quickly, other times she spends as much as an hour. She has done an envelope that was gilded with 23k gold for a marriage proposal. Also, she makes sets of envelopes for birthdays using vintage stamps. The person receives one envelope for each year. “It is a very personal gift and I am not aware of anyone else who offers such a service,” said Jean.
THE EDUCATOR
Jean has been affiliated with Metro Arts for over five years. Through Metro Arts, she has taught both summer classes as well as after-school daycare sessions in many of the elementary schools. “These classes are very rewarding since the children are wowed by the amount they can learn in just one lesson,” Jean reflected.
Jean appreciates the opportunities to network with other artists through Metro Arts. This past year, workshops that paired artists of different disciplines were especially memorable for Jean. “Through the Arts on the Go program, I did a presentation where Bill Connet and I combined singing and calligraphy. It was wonderful to try something wildly different. I really enjoyed the experience,” she shares. “Metro Arts is willing to think outside of the box and offer much needed support and structure to artists without stifling our creativity. They find a perfect balance.”
Jean has also served Metro Arts in many ways including designing banners for the Metro Arts Two Rivers Expo, pictured on the upper left.
 PRAIRIE BOOK COLLABORATIVE
Jean Wilson is one of the founding members of the Prairie Book Collaborative. Organized in 2002, the group includes graphic designers, printmakers, letterpress artists, photographers, bookbinders and one calligrapher. They collaborate on handmade books and will unveil their second book, TWO, at their second annual Edible Book Tea Friday, March 31. The book follows the successful ONE, the group's first book, which sold out in a matter of hours at their opening in 2005. Jean will have her page on view at the event.
 In TWO, the Collaborative's members depict a rambling 258-mile stretch of Iowa's Highway 2. The 14 participating artists highlight towns along the route through photography, letterpress, woodcut, relief and intaglio printing. Each card carries a message and features faux postage and cancellations created by the artists. TWO is a limited edition of 50 numbered copies.
Another highlight of the event is the refreshments provided by the Collaborative. The Edible Book Tea features food that looks like a book or makes reference to a book title or structure. An example from 2005's Edible Book Tea was a cake created to look like a jewelry box representing Breakfast at Tiffany's and an edible book referencing “To Kill a Mockingbird”. This year the delights will include “Lord of the Onion Rings,” “The Cheetos in the Rye,” “The Gouda Earth,” “The World According to Gorp,” and many more.
 The Prairie Book Collaborative began with nine artist members who share a love of books. The group has grown to eighteen members: Lisa Blumhagen, Susan Koch Bridgford, Eugenio Coco, Ivan Hanthorn, Kevin House, Janet Huston, Fritz James, Peggy Jester, Peggy Johnston, Mary Jones, Elaine Olinger, Bob Schulte, Sue Slater, Rick von Holdt, Connie Wilson, Jean Wilson and Donna Yeast.
AT A GLANCE
Event: Edible Book Tea/Book Launch of TWO
Date: Friday, March 31, 2006
Location: Fitch Gallery, 304 - 15th Street, Des Moines
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
TWO book prices:
Preorders: $200.00
Price after March 30th: $222.22
Half-size reproduction: $25.00
Proceeds will go to the production of the Collaborative's next book and to the future establishment of a center for the book.
 COMMISSIONS
Wilson's part of the collaborative book will be on view with the other artist's work at the Edible Book Tea, March 31. Since her work is mostly commissioned pieces, it is best to make an appointment and visit her studio. Jean exhibits along with other artists at Plymouth Congregational Church every December.
 OTHER INVOLVEMENT
Jean is active in the Calligraphic Arts Guild of Central Iowa, a group of over 100 calligraphers who meet monthly. She teaches at these monthly programs, hosts visiting instructors, and travels to other states to teach for other guilds. Jean has been hired to do lettering on site for various events. “While lettering does not seem like a performance activity, it usually draws a crowd and people tend to be mesmerized by the simple act of writing. They enjoy seeing their name written beautifully,” shared Jean.
An educator at the Des Moines Art Center, Jean teaches lettering classes and the “Art for the Intimidated”, which is an introductory class for people who are not sure where to start. “It is rewarding to see many of my students move on to classes in watercolor, printmaking, jewelry, bookbinding or any of the other classes taught at the Art Center. My former students are grateful to have taken that first step and thoroughly enjoy their artistic journey.”
Jean also writes articles for Bound and Lettered, a quarterly magazine on the lettering and book arts published by John Neal, Bookseller.
CONTACT
Jean Wilson
515-279-8984
jeanwilson411@aol.com
Jean Wilson is also available through the Arts on Location program. For more information please click here or call Metro Arts at 515-280-3222.
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