Textures, Tangles & Tessellations

Gualala Arts is pleased to present Textures, Tangles & Tessellations, an invitational exhibit celebrating the intricate design elements that make artwork unforgettable will open on Friday, February 7 from 4-6 pm. Artists are endlessly inspired by the rich details of the world around us- patterns in nature, the interplay of light and shadow, and the organic shapes that repeat and evolve. Through observation, interpretation, and inventive use of materials, artists transform these details into works that captivate and invite deeper exploration.

Ling-Yen Jones and Jennifer Whitfield will bring together local artists, masters of both 2‑D and 3‑D mediums—whose work naturally embraces texture, pattern, and the beauty of repetition for this exploration.

Ling‑Yen Jones

Mendocino County jeweler and business owner Ling‑Yen Jones creates original designs in sterling silver, semiprecious stones, and pearls. Her collections often feature repeating motifs and range from traditional to modern in style. Many pieces incorporate stylized Asian faces inspired by the feminine grace and romantic imagery of the Japanese Ukiyo‑E period—“images of the floating world” that depicted everyday life in Japan from the 16th through 19th centuries.

Her popular Unmentionables series showcases expressive faces—surprise, serenity, wonder, ecstasy- each rendered with humor and elegance. Hidden details on the reverse of her pieces reveal hand‑cut flowers, roller‑printed leaf patterns, and intimate scenes of paired lovers. “I define my jewelry designs as creations that are useful, artistic, symbolic, identifying, and an expression of my personal ideas,” Ling‑Yen explains. Motifs such as leaves, birds, and windows often symbolize new beginnings, hope, change, and personal growth.

She works primarily in sterling silver, copper, gold, pearls, and semiprecious stones, striving for pieces that are clean in appearance, distinctive, and artistically rendered. Her full collections can be viewed at ling‑yendesigns.com.

Jennifer S. Whitfield

Sonoma County and Cape Cod award‑winning artist Jennifer S. Whitfield works in acrylic mediums, soft pastel, and watercolor. Her current portfolio can be viewed at jswhitfield.com. A lifelong learner with a naturally curious spirit, Jennifer continually explores new materials and techniques to express her thoughts and emotions.

“My brush is my voice,” she says. “I have always been mesmerized by the ever‑changing majesty of my world. I love the dance of light on moving surfaces, textures and tangles, organic tessellations, and the brilliance of color intensified during the last breath of sunlight on a landscape.” Nature’s abundance provides endless inspiration, and her work reflects a deep appreciation for the intricate beauty of the environment.

Jennifer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, immersed in art from an early age. She earned her BA in Fine Arts and Design from California State University, San Jose, and enjoyed a rich 34‑year teaching career before retiring in 2011. Creativity was central to her classroom, no matter the subject.

Now living in Northern California, Jennifer thrives in her coastal studio, where each beautiful day fuels her artistic spirit. Her love of organic design and natural detail is evident in every piece she creates.

The exhibit will be on view through March 7