BEFORE THE HANG “Paper Dolls”

Having to deliver less than pleasant news to an artist is the worst part of gallery life. It’s similar to three cracked eggs upon opening the new carton. But sometimes a mess becomes an omelet. When Jamie Azevedo’s “paper dolls” project was shy one point away from winning the Up For Grabs, we knew we had to honor her lyrically morphic photographs of the divine feminine. Hatching the idea of offering her a show for Art Family Values to include her illustrator husband Lino, she was thrilled to share. Since Jamie’s work was already done, Lino responded with new work that complimented and contrasted hers. Proof positive that the hen came before the rooster.

10 questions

With Jamie and Lino Azevedo

In one word, what is your present state of mind? 

Jamie: calm

Lino: focused

Were there any challenges or new techniques used when creating this work?

Jamie: I'm continuing to practice layering in photo editing.

Lino: Being in sync with another artist to collaborate and make a cohesive show.

How many UFOs have you seen?

Jamie: Only the ones in Lino's paintings

Lino: maybe 4 to 6

Aside from art, what were your favorite school subjects in school?

Jamie:  History and Literature

Lino: Literature and PE

Name 3 people, living or dead, that inspire you the most.

Jamie: Anne Boleyn, Jackie Robinson, Eleanor of Aquitane

Lino:  Leonardo DaVinci, Gandhi, MLK

What is your favorite snack food?

Jamie: all the sugar

Lino: dark chocolate

What 2 colors have you put together that resulted in an unexpectedly amazing color combination?

Jamie:  mixing shades of blue

Lino:  Magenta and Yellow Azo

What do you listen to when creating artwork?

Jamie: history documentaries, classical music, Tori Amos, Yppah, and Film School

Lino: instrumental surf music, jazz, art podcasts

What famous artwork blew your mind when finally seen in person?

Jamie: DaVinci drawings (architectural/sketches/anatomy studies/technology designs) at The Met in NYC

Lino: Ivan Albright's works in Chicago

What is the most important trait for an artist to have?

Jamie:  to not take themselves too seriously

Lino: time management

STAFF PICKS

MIND ITEMS

Usually by December we have the next year’s line-up completely booked but having to shift due to unforeseen circumstances made our approach more circumspect for 2026. Being able to step back and guide each collaboration for the Art Family Values campaign has led us to foster our THEE guide.

T – Thoughtful

Is the work telling a story or using material to further a narrative?

H-Hardworking

Does the artist have a practice that professionally presents and finishes and does their artwork need to navigate after showing for further opportunities?

E-Empathetic

Is their work sensitive to the existing polarization in today’s world?

E-Elasticity

Does the work have an elasticity, an oscillation of color, form and/or composition that is compelling to the viewer?

The THEE guide is a guide, not a test or a strict parameter. Thee, in ye olde means you. You, the artist exchanging with you, the viewer.