Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janna Blackburn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I don’t have any regrets about returning to my art practice later in life. In fact, I believe it has enriched my creative journey in ways that wouldn’t have been possible if I’d started sooner. My perspective has shifted significantly over the years, allowing me to see my surroundings, my work, and even myself with more depth and understanding.

When I was earlier in my career, I was juggling a demanding role in Fire Life Safety, and as the CEO of my household, I was constantly navigating tight schedules and responsibilities. At that time, I didn’t have the mental space to fully immerse myself in creativity. But looking back, I now see how those years of life experience—both the challenges and the moments of growth—have deeply influenced my work. I’ve been able to channel these experiences into my art, using the creative process as a way to express what I’ve learned and felt along the way.

In hindsight, I don’t think I would’ve had the same clarity or focus if I had started earlier. The timing, though unconventional, has given me the chance to reflect, grow, and approach my art with a deeper sense of purpose. Starting sooner may have led to a different set of priorities or limitations, and starting later has allowed me to approach my creative work in a way that’s fulfilling and intentional.

Janna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an abstract artist who found my passion for creating through a lifelong fascination with color, emotion, and form. My journey began with traditional painting, but I was always drawn to the freedom and complexity of abstraction. I create original works that speak to the emotional landscapes we all navigate—offering balance, harmony, and moments of reflection.

My artwork doesn’t necessarily solve a practical problem, but it brings something equally valuable: peace, joy, and connection. Viewers often find themselves emotionally drawn in, trying to decipher why a specific mark was made or how the movement of color resonates with their own experiences. Abstract art invites interpretation—it encourages people to slow down and feel.

What sets my work apart is the sense of rhythm and musicality I try to instill in every piece. I love the interplay between chaos and calm, between intentional placement and spontaneous expression. I’m most proud when someone tells me a piece made them feel something they can’t quite explain—that’s when I know it connected.

For those discovering my work for the first time, I want them to know it’s less about “understanding” and more about feeling. My brand is rooted in emotional exploration and creative intuition. Each piece is a visual conversation—and you, the viewer, are invited to participate.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

If you were to step into my home or studio, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of artwork—finished pieces, works in progress, and what may look like organized chaos. To some, it’s puzzling. Why create so much, especially when much of it hasn’t been sold? But for me, being an artist isn’t optional—it’s a calling, a constant internal rhythm that urges me to create.

Some might label it as obsessive. I see it as my therapy. Art is how I process emotions that were locked away for decades—feelings I didn’t have the tools or time to confront until now. Each brushstroke helps me access, explore, and release parts of myself I had long buried. It’s deeply personal work that doesn’t always make sense to those outside the creative world, but for me, it’s essential.

What I hope non-creatives understand is that for many of us, art isn’t about making something “sellable” or beautiful. It’s about survival, healing, and reclaiming our stories one piece at a time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to share my work in meaningful ways—through social media, exhibitions, gift giving, and even art donations that help raise funds for important causes. Art has become a bridge: it has reconnected me with family and friends, and it’s opened doors to opportunities that have pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

One of the greatest gifts has been the connection to a vibrant and diverse community of fellow creatives. Their support, insight, and shared passion have enriched my life in ways I never imagined. But above all, there is something incredibly humbling about bringing joy to someone who chooses to bring my artwork into their home or workspace. To know that my expression resonates with them deeply enough to become part of their daily life—that’s what makes it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artpal.com/jannablackburn
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannablackburnartstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jannablackburnartstudio

Image Credits

Headshot – Jordan Lindsay Photography