In Jennifer Medema’s artwork, portraits move beyond likeness, capturing emotion and identity in ways that reveal deeper truths of humanity.
The Mokena-based artist and creative director is captivated by faces, by the subtle flicker of an expression that can reveal volumes without a word spoken. Her latest solo exhibition, Drawn From Darkness, now on display at the Orland Park Public Library through the end of September, offers viewers a glimpse into that fascination through 21 striking charcoal reduction portraits.
“Faces fascinate me. Identity intrigues me,” Medema said. “I choose not to create traditional portraits but rather narrow my focus with up-close compositions. This tight cropping creates visual tension or an intimate moment that pulls the viewer in.”
Medema, who also serves as Senior Graphic Designer for the Village of Orland Park, will share more about her process and inspirations during Meet the Artist: Jennifer Medema at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at the library.
Her work on display showcases a technique called charcoal reduction, also known as charcoal erasure.
“The final product is technically not a drawing, but rather an erased image,” she explained. “I start with a white sheet of paper and cover it with heavy vine charcoal, creating a solid layer of black ash. Using kneaded erasers, blending sticks, cotton balls or even my hand, I gently remove the charcoal from the page and the image begins to emerge from the darkness.”
The process is one she first studied while abroad in Florence, Italy, as part of her training at Studio Art Centers International. She also holds a B.A. in illustration and fine arts from Columbia College Chicago and an A.A.S. in interior design from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design.
“I have always been fascinated with portraits,” she said. “Every person is unique, and the subtlety of expression can convey so much. One does not need to see the entire face to recognize a person or understand their current emotion.”
That interest traces back to childhood. With older siblings out of the house, Medema often tagged along with her parents to dinners. While the adults talked, she sketched on paper tablecloths with pens borrowed from her father’s pocket. Later, in junior high, she discovered her love of portraiture through a challenge from classmates, and she never looked back.
Though her professional career led her into advertising, publishing and design, including work at boutique agencies and Chicago magazine, portraiture remained her constant. Over the years, she has taken on commissions ranging from watercolor portraits of people and pets to architectural renderings. More recently, travel rekindled her personal studio practice.
“I realized how much I missed creating art with my hands,” she said. “This charcoal process became a way for me to reconnect. When I am creating the image, I can get lost in it. It is very therapeutic.”
Medema has been invited to return to her alma mater twice as a guest speaker, most recently in 2024, when Columbia College honored her during Women’s History Month with a solo exhibition spanning her multidisciplinary works.
Today, she continues to balance her full-time design career with her studio practice. All works in Drawn From Darkness are available for purchase, and she also accepts commissioned projects. Her work can be found on Instagram at @jmedema.designs.
“Look deeply into someone’s eyes and you can find their story start to unfold,” Medema said. “Without a word, the human face can reveal so much. That is what keeps me coming back. Those moments of truth that cannot be hidden.”
