Refuge Studios Iowa City - "Middle America" Giclée Print

What comes to mind when you hear “Middle America”? Maybe it’s scenes like this or maybe not. I’m fascinated by the idea that this landscape is not considered beautiful, especially when most of the country is made up of unassuming places like this one. The bright nostalgic colors of this scene exemplify community in how a community looks and feels. It’s human scale is stark contrast to the quickly developed, millennial gray, domineering architecture gradually encircling the neighborhood. The original piece is part of the larger body of work titled “Flyover State”, an exhibition on life and the perceptions of the Midwest. Showing late summer.

• Printed on Moab Archival Paper using Archival Grade Pigment-based Inks.

• Print is sized 12x12 inches.

• Art printed with a 1/2 in white border.
  

Description borrowed from Refuge Studios.

About Refuge Studios

Refuge Studios was started in 2021 by me (Jess Duling) to expand my creative practice and to create work that aligns with my core values of environmental and social advocacy. It has also become a space to provide creative encouragement.

I aim to inspire creatives to pursue their creativity, to never be afraid to learn new things or feel like they aren’t good enough to start.

My work is recognizable by its bright saturated colors and lighthearted themes focusing on creative encouragement, nature, mental health, and social advocacy. I primarily work in graphic illustration, print design, acrylic gouache, and photography. 

My long-term goals are to incorporate water-based printmaking into my practice hopefully in the near future since printmaking was part of my BFA degree. I am eco-conscious in my production practices so I use sustainable and eco-friendly materials wherever I can in my studio.

In my spare time, I document my creative process and make tutorials and share those videos on Tik Tok and Instagram weekly.