Jeanette Maxwell-Santiago (Artist JETTE)

Jeanette Maxwell-Santiago, also known as Artist JETTE, is a
versatile artist, sculptor, and jeweler. Her work is deeply influenced by her
upbringing amidst the natural splendor of Western Oregon, the serene landscapes
of Lake Tahoe, and the vibrant Reggae culture she embraced in her youth.

Despite facing numerous challenges in marriage, education,
and the upbringing of a neurodivergent family, JETTE remained steadfast in her
artistic pursuits. Pieces like "Mary Jane" and "Prayers of the
Addicted" reflect the profound influence of Reggae music on her life,
while "Erin Angel" and "Colonial Consequences" echo her
commitment to social awareness. Additionally, works such as "Three
Children" and "Paternal Love" underscore the paramount
importance she places on family bonds.

JETTE's artistic journey is a testament to resilience and
the transformative power of creativity. Now, at the age of 47, having overcome
countless trials, she stands liberated to express herself fully through her
art.

Awards and Exhibitions:

Artistic Achievements: Throughout her formative years,
JETTE's artistic talents were recognized with annual art awards from 7th to
11th grade.

Art Institute of Seattle: JETTE pursued her passion for
art with a year-long study at the Art Institute of Seattle.

Solo Exhibition: In December 2003, JETTE held a solo
exhibition at a gallery in Tahoe, showcasing her diverse body of work.

First Place Award: JETTE's piece "Prayers of the
Addicted" earned first place in the esteemed art show "A Life Worth
Living" at the Sierra Arts Foundation.

Public Exhibitions: JETTE's artwork has been featured
at various public events and venues, including:

Earth Day Celebration at Idlewild Park (2014)

Brew Ha Ha at the Reno Nugget Casino (2015)

Great Western Marketplace (2015)

Style and Influences

As a young girl, JETTE found inspiration in the enchanting
realms of fantasy, populated by fairies, dragons, warriors, and witches.
Influenced by the imaginative worlds of Dungeons and Dragons books and the
magic of Disney, her early artistic endeavors were infused with a sense of
wonder and whimsy.

Transitioning into high school, JETTE's artistic influences
expanded to include the great masters of art history. Drawn to the works of
Michelangelo and Rembrandt, she honed her skills in portraiture, striving for
meticulous realism in her compositions. Concurrently, her sculptural creations
took on fantastical forms, often depicting delicate fairies and other mystical
creatures.

The responsibilities of starting a family prompted a shift
in JETTE's artistic approach. Balancing motherhood with her creative passions,
she delved into interior mural painting, crafting silhouettes and lifelike
depictions of ocean life. However, the constraints of time and space
necessitated a new artistic direction.

Enter "Prayers of the Addicted," a pivotal moment
in JETTE's artistic journey. Embracing vibrant colors and expressive forms, she
adopted a style characterized by boldness and simplicity. Faces were eschewed
in favor of emotive gestures, allowing for quicker compositions and a newfound
sense of freedom in the creative process.

Throughout her life, JETTE has drawn inspiration from a
diverse array of artists who have left an indelible mark on her own work:

Georgia O'Keeffe: JETTE admires O'Keeffe's beautiful
contoured landscapes, flowers, and skulls, which resonate with her own love of
nature and organic forms.

Salvador Dali: Dali's surreal and boundary-pushing
creations captivate JETTE with their utter weirdness and challenge to
conventional artistic norms.

Frida Kahlo: JETTE finds inspiration in Kahlo's
resilience and defiance of patriarchal systems, admiring her ability to channel
personal struggles into powerful, introspective artwork.

Mark Henson: Henson's intense and inspirational social
statements resonate deeply with JETTE, who values art as a means of engaging
with and reflecting upon pressing societal issues.

Nick Noyes: JETTE is drawn to Noyes' liberated approach
to art, appreciating his freedom of expression and willingness to push