Jack Poirier
Most Sarnia’s have likely never heard of Jenny Liz Rome.
But art lovers around the world know of the homegrown talent's work.
Rome fuses photography, hand drawing and abstract shapes in her art, bringing fragments together to create colourful, fashionable illustrations.
The 29-year-old's work is primal, sensual and focuses largely on the female form, which she describes as "the perfect canvass." She also weaves in elements of nature and wildlife to create complementary hybrids.
Rome has made a name for herself in Europe, Asia, the U.S. and Australia.
"People in Sarnia don't really know I exist, but people in Melbourne do, people in Norway do," she says.
"You can live in Sarnia (as an artist) and do quite well."
That requires a presence on various social media platforms, including the print-on-demand art website Society6, and a growing list of contacts.
Her work is used by retailers in France, Marie Claire Russia, on the cover of Halo hair products in Australia and book covers in Mexico.
It’s also used by Scandinavian interior design companies and can be found hanging in the homes of some of her acclaimed influences, including Erika Bearman of Oscar de la Renta, and the U.K.'s Ruben Ireland.
Her most recent client is Sony Music NY, who approached Rome in January about creating an album cover for the band Walk off the Earth. Her colourful illustration graces the cover of the quintet's latest album, Sing it all Away, set for release June 16.
"The lead singer, Sarah Blackwood, really liked my work. They wanted something bright, bold and splashy,” Rome said.
After two months of collaboration with the band, the final product was approved.
"It was a fun gig — stressful — but fun," she said.
She hopes the image, as well as the Jenny Liz Rome cover credit, will bring more work her way.
"I'd love to do more album covers. It was such a creative … experience."
Rome has opened a downtown studio at 539A Christina St. N. to include The Art Market, a collaboration with friends and artists that features visual arts, jewellery, crafts and clothing.
Featured artists include Kaitlin Beckett of Australia, England's Georgie St Clair, Norway's Kristine Benum Braanen, and fellow Sarnians Adelle Taylor, Chelsea Bogheo, Olivia Cataford, Devon MacKinnon and Virginia Ball.
The Art Market is open Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until mid-September, and will showcase various artists during First Fridays.