Graphic Novel, “But By This Path” at Reflection Gallery in September

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will present an exhibit of the graphic novel, “But by This Path,” written and illustrated by local artist Josh Jaehnig, September 1 to September 30, 2011.

An opening reception for artist will take place at the gallery Thursday, September 1, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

“But by This Path” began as Jaehnig’s senior diploma works project at Finlandia University, but it became much more. He completed his bachelor of fine arts in illustration this spring.

This summer Jaehnig was awarded a scholarship by Finlandia’s International School of Art & Design that made it possible for him to publish 300 copies of his book. They will be available for purchase at the exhibit’s opening reception.

Jaehnig has been inspired to write and illustrate several stories in the previous several years. “But By this Path” is the most recent.

The book is based on stories that Jaehnig’s grandfathers shared with Jaehnig when he was a child. As his grandfathers aged, then passed away, Jaehnig began to appreciate the significance of their stories. He began to re-interpret them, breathing into the stories new life and creating an in-depth recollection of a time-gone-by.

Jaehnig developed the book’s story over a year-and-a-half, spending an additional six months creating the illustrations. The book’s medium is water and sumi-e ink (a black ink that has little to no shine when dry) on illustration board.

When asked what inspires him to create art, aside from family, Jaehnig says, “I have always loved making images to fill empty spaces on walls, using images to tell stories, and using my ability to create a piece of art that can tell what I’m feeling or interested in at that exact time.”

In the forward to his book, Jaehnig expresses particular thanks to Yueh-Mei Cheng, professor of fine arts at Finlandia, and the donor of the scholarship.  “She has been a teacher, a mentor, and friend,” he says of Cheng. “She has pushed me to make my ideas happen, has given me the encouragement, and shared her wisdom to help me help myself.”

Visit Jaehnig’s blog at http://joshjaehnig.blogspot.com.

“But By This Path,” and a selection of similar art pieces by Jaehnig, will be on display at the Reflection Gallery September 1 to September 30. The gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, Hancock.

For additional information, contact Yueh-mei Cheng, professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.

Photo cutlines: Images from “But By This Path” by Joshua Jaehnig

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