We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Perlmutter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Throughout my life, I have always had a deep-seated passion for experimentation and creation. As a child, I spent countless hours playing with sand and soil by the creek, eagerly tinkering with objects I found on the shore or in the yard. It was during this time that I first discovered the joy of bringing ideas to life through hands-on exploration.

As I grew older, I stumbled upon a film crew on location and was immediately captivated by the collaborative effort required to bring a project to fruition. This experience ignited a spark within me and ultimately led me to pursue prop-making and behind-the-scenes work in theater during my college years. Eventually, I found myself drawn to the bustling film and TV industry in LA.

Despite my initial enthusiasm for the film world, the intensity and chaos of film sets eventually took its toll on me. I began to yearn for a more sustainable and fulfilling way to express my creativity. That’s when I turned to art. Starting with painting, designing, and refinishing furniture, I gradually discovered my knack for creating unique and striking paintings that have the power to bring joy and beauty to people’s lives.

As my passion for art grew, I decided to open Perlmutter Designs, where I could fully express my creative vision and bring my unique talents to life. Through this venture, I honed my skills and knowledge of material. This eventually led to finding my voice in Mixed media and collage.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

With a background in working alongside interior designers, art consultants, and the bustling film industry in Los Angeles, I found myself at the heart of a vibrant and creative community. Being surrounded by designers who were seeking skilled artisans to replicate antique finishes, and set decorators in constant need of art for television and film, presented numerous opportunities for me to pursue a successful career as an artist.

It was during a project painting an entryway in Beverly Hills with a deep red antique oil finish that another painter on site passed along my information to a Korean developer looking for an artist to come to Seoul to teach and execute finishes that would replicate Mediterranean castles and ancient stone. This project proved to be a pivotal moment for my growth as both an artist and a business owner, and helped shape the trajectory of my career. By 2003 I was fully devoted to fine art. My studio was in Hollywood, on Santa Monica blvd.

My first solo art show was given to me by Claudia Endler in Los Angeles, and resulted in the sale of several works to esteemed collectors such as Mel Brooks. In 2011 I was invited to give a TEDx talk and I titled it, Begin Where You Are. This moment on stage gave me the gift of confidence to share my story. In 2014, I proudly opened my first of three galleries, where I focused on building a diverse roster of established artists and cultural programming.

Today, I find myself in Carmel by the Sea, exhibiting my own work and actively involved in community projects. Continually inspired by the beauty surrounding me, I am grateful for all that has led me to where I am today.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The top 3 things that are the most rewarding as an artist: 1. Connecting directly with people that fall in love with my art. This is the warmest moment and honor to have another person value and see you through your work. Mostly these are strangers that I can watch make connections with an abstract. Something so indescribable as a jumble of composed marks and colors, speaks to another person’s soul. that is connection beyond the transaction.
2. Going to “work” means putting on my soft paint pants and clogs, heading to the studio to get messy and shut out my thinking. Flow state is where all the good stuff happens.
3. Learning about myself through my art

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read the Artist Way by Julia Cameron in the late 90s. Highly recommend this workbook to anyone wanting to begin believing in themselves and building a creative career.

Also, Andy Goldsworthy is an environmental artist. His work taught me to “know your materials”. The only way to truly create impressive and noteworthy work is to yield to your materials and the world around you. Begin where you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com
• Instagram: @jenperlmuttergallery
• Facebook: Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery
• Youtube: Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery

Image Credits
Randy Tunnel