Art is a passion for many people – kids, teens, adults, and the like – whether it be painting, sculpting, performance art, and more. However, there is one local artist taking an entirely new and unique approach to her work – Gina Jones. Recently, she started the process of experimenting with creating paintings using breastmilk, and has been doing it ever since.
We got to chat with Gina about all things breastmilk and art, as well as how her own experience as a mother plays into her work. Read more below to find out what this special artist had to say.
A Conversation with Gina Jones
What inspired you to try such a unique way of creating art?
I am a passionate breastfeeding advocate and I had recently learnt about breastmilk being used in other things such as jewellery. A combination of curiosity and daydreaming led me to experimenting with breastmilk in my alcohol ink portrait paintings. I decided to turn it into a business towards the end of 2020. That was after I had such positive feedback about my artwork.
Were you always passionate about art or was it something you stumbled across and fell in love with?
I have always had a passion for art ever since I was a kid. In my mid 20’s I had a photography business specialising in modelling and runway photography, and now portrait paintings with alcohol inks – and of course the addition of breastmilk.
What do you love about what you do?
My favourite part about what I do is sending the final picture and video to the client after the painting is completed and seeing how excited they are. I also love hearing the different stories from other mothers commissioning the paintings. It makes creating the paintings that much more special.
Is using breastmilk a difficult task or was it quite easy from the beginning? How did you even discover that it worked for your art the way that it does?
It was a difficult journey. I originally tried breastmilk preservation powder but found it didn’t work well with alcohol inks as it leaves a gritty finish. But, I didn’t want to give up so I developed my own method to preserve the breastmilk. This method gives a smooth beautiful result that does not spoil.
I have test results available on my website showing that zero yeast or mould grows on the paintings, so you can have that extra peace of mind.
What do you think is valuable about using breastmilk rather than other art supplies? Why should mothers give it a go?
Breastfeeding is difficult, it’s a beautiful journey that deserves to be celebrated. What better way to commemorate your breastfeeding journey by having a piece of artwork in your home for all to enjoy that has a piece of you lovingly incorporated into it.
You can learn more on Gina’s website Gina Jones Creations.
