Jade Butay

Artist Statement

My artwork has always been my way of creating a new reality when mine becomes too painful. Through my pieces, I offer others a chance to look within themselves and discover dreams that bring comfort during difficult times. The idea that peace doesn’t have to come from the natural world but can be created from nothing is central to my images. I believe you can assemble your own sanctuary, a space to house your worries and fears when nothing else has helped. For me, never allowing truth to stand in the way of happiness is vital. While real-world problems don’t fade into oblivion, my childlike imagination allows me to create my own solutions.

I photograph various subjects and scenes to kickstart my creative process, later combining them in post-processing. By blending these images, I construct surreal yet comforting landscapes beyond physical limitations, inviting viewers to explore.

Taking cues from artists like Brooke Shaden, Gregory Crewdson, and Francesca Woodman, I draw inspiration from Shaden's talent for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, Crewdson's precise setups and cinematic storytelling, and Woodman's reflective self-portraits that explore personal journeys.

My art aims to provide a sanctuary of peace and happiness amid life's chaos. By engaging with my work, I hope others can discover their paths to inner peace, just as I have through creation.

My art invites viewers to step into a different reality where worldly burdens are momentarily lifted. By curating images and blending elements, I create a visual escape offering not just aesthetic pleasure but emotional relief. Through my work, I aim to remind viewers of the beauty and tranquility that exist within themselves.

Biography

Jade, a self-portrait artist based in California, crafts alternate realities through a unique blend of compositing, digital photography, painterly textures, and intricate storytelling. Active in the art community since 2018, Jade has garnered recognition, being featured in notable lists such as Emerging Artists of California and Marvelous Art Gallery’s Artists to Watch 2023. She is currently completing her second major series of work.

Anyone Home_2020_Photography_12 x 12- inches

Bedtime Stories_2018_Photography_12 x 18- inches

Dark Lake_2022_Photography_12 x 18- inches

Depth_2018_Photography_16 x 20- inches

Happiness_2020_Photography_12 x 12- inches

Midnight Sonata_2019_Photography_16 x 20- inches

Somewhere Else_2020_Photography_12 x 12- inches