'Speaking of Art': Carl Janes

Carl Janes is a multidisciplinary artist in Atlanta.

He paints in acrylics and sprays, sculpts in “everything from Lite Brite pegs to world globes to cars,” designs architecture, writes poetry, and makes music in a new project called Invaders on Mars.

Though an artist to his bones since childhood, Janes stepped professionally into the role of artist with some reluctance, considering the title “almost sacred.” But his entry into the arts was an outgoing effort, as Janes organized events, produced installations, and connected with the arts community.

He attests to a sense of art as a creative force in a literal sense, saying, “I believe that in creating art, we are truly altering the fabric of reality.”

A whimsical mural by Carl Janes currently adorns the back wall of Center Stage in Midtown Atlanta and pops with bright yellow geometrics underneath a neon-esque “Let’s get funky” in cursive, the words taking the form of a string connecting two aluminum cans in front of a floating mouth and ear.

Janes has lived in Atlanta for the last dozen years and considers the city “ahead of the national conversation.” Janes says, “I think the healing we need in our country will start in Atlanta. I believe it already has.”

In addition to his studio work, Carl Janes’ gallery Inner Space, located at Underground Atlanta, hosts artists from all over the country.

More on Carl Janes’ art can be found at www.carljanes.com.