We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Kahn Barlow recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being an artist can indeed feel like a tumultuous journey, filled with highs and lows that can make anyone question their path. My lack of a business and marketing background amplifies these uncertainties, as the art market is notoriously unpredictable and ever-changing. I constantly wonder if I am making the right choices, whether it’s about applying to the right shows or deciding between selling my work online or in galleries. This internal dialogue, full of doubts and second-guessing, is something I, like many artists, experience, given that success in this field often lacks a clear, defined roadmap.
At least once a year several events coincide, rattles me, and second guesses my decision to be an artist. Typically this occurs after a period of not selling work, being rejected from several shows, getting caught up in the nitty gritty of social media, my young family needing additional attention, and not having enough time for myself. I then abruptly announce that I am thinking of ending my art career. My husband usually bocks at this comment, reminds me it is just a hard time at the moment, and I would be upset if I gave it up. Of course he is right, the hard moments passes and I continue to make art. During these low periods, I daydream about the stability of a “regular job” and someone to tell me what to do or which is the right decision to make.
Setbacks are part of the journey and my passion for art is enduring. Establishing my own rules and schedule is challenging, but it also offers the unique opportunity to shape my life and work.

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?

I am an oil painter with 14 years in the art industry. My passion is for creating artwork inspired by food, typically confectionary, the gooier and more colorful the better. The vibrancy, textural variation, and extravagance of the French Macaron makes it one of my favorite subject matters to paint.
As humans we are hard-wired and socially trained to celebrate, crave, and seek out sugar; however, we rarely step back to admire its form along with the feelings it cultivates.
There are many fleeting emotions that come from viewing tempting foods, sweet or not, which spark memories of happiness, nourishment, nostalgia, positive rituals, and social connections. When regarding my work, the viewer’s immediate ability to taste the food is taken away and the focus shifts from urgent gratification to admiration of its beauty, form, chroma, texture, and all the emotions that it elicits.
Growing up in the Boston suburbs in the 1980’s, my food loving family admired the beauty of a nice meal or dessert by fully discussing its virtues and color palette, and also taking photos of the food (on film), decades ahead of foodies on Instagram. Without knowing it at the time, my artistic eye was being honed and shaped to respect the beauty and joy of food.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life, not just for my personal fulfillment but for the example it sets for my children, now ages 15 and 12. They have grown up surrounded by my creative endeavors—whether it’s accompanying me to local art shows or witnessing my dedication in the studio. For them, my being an artist is simply a part of life. Yet, when their friends express awe and curiosity upon learning what I do, I can see a glimmer of respect and admiration in my children’s eyes. This recognition makes every challenge I’ve faced worthwhile, reinforcing the notion that hard work and perseverance truly pay off.

Over the years, my children have occasionally expressed feelings of inadequacy, believing they can’t draw or paint like I can. This has provided invaluable teaching moments. I remind them that at their age, my skills were not what they are today. It took hours, days, weeks, years, even decades of continuous effort to reach my current level. I emphasize that this principle applies not just to art, but to any skill worth mastering. The journey of improvement is continuous and requires dedication, something I hope they internalize and apply in their own lives.

In essence, my career as an artist has become a living lesson for my children about the value of persistence and the time it takes to cultivate any worthwhile skill. They might not realize it now, but my hope is that these experiences will resonate with them in the future, inspiring them to pursue their passions with the same determination. The respect and admiration I see in their eyes, sparked by the reactions of their friends, are just small indicators of the lasting impact I hope to make on their lives.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If I could wave my magic wand and go backwards, I wish I had jumped on the Instagram bandwagon earlier.

It’s easy to see the advantages that early adopters of Instagram have enjoyed, particularly in the art community. Those who embraced the platform from its inception have indeed reaped significant benefits in terms of exposure, sales, and follower growth. Their early presence allowed them to establish a strong foothold and build loyal audiences, which in turn has contributed to their continued success. As an artist, being on the cutting edge of digital trends can be a game-changer, providing unique opportunities to showcase your work to a global audience with minimal barriers.
I have never been on the cutting edge of anything and wish I joined instagram sooner and saw its amazing marketing capacity. Nowadays, it is hard obtain new followers, likes, and go viral for mass audiences to enjoy. Timing does account for a lot in the art market. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jkb-art.com
• Instagram: @jkb.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferkahnbarlowart/