Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeni Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jeni, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I am currently working on an exhibit that covers depression, anxiety, ptsd, and recovery. It began in the midst of my own bout. I started this body of work on a challenge to paint a painting per week, to help me have something to focus on. It became my story of survival. I painted what I was feeling in my lowest lows in an attempt to describe my feelings. I started painting very emotional stuff, and then decided to scatter in more positive ones to help ease the spiral that I was in. My paintings went from very dark feelings, to florals. I got kind of obsessive in the way I extended my expressions. I also began to write poetry and just free verse statements on what the paintings were about. This went on for four years, starting in early 2017. As I faced my battles and the many paintings, I decided that I couldn’t accept the place I had been, unless it served a purpose. My hope is to have a body of works that allow the viewers to find their own triggers, but also find the road that allows them to keep going forward. This project was never intended to be meaninful, but it has certainly been.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a self taught artist that works in primarily acrylic, mixed mediums, watercolor, pencil, and pen/ink. My painting style varies and I love to add unexpected colors and textures to my pieces. In my art journey, I have done portraits, mural work, stage scenic detail, and even hand painted fondant pieces for custom wedding cakes. As I have aged, the physical demands have me focusing more on home decor. I offer original paintings from my home studio and prints through direct order links from my website. ArtWorksbyJeniReynolds.com
I do take commissions for portraits, including memory portraits using crematory ash. I am also ordained, and each memory portrait is handled with complete respect, and each one recieves a blessing.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to use my artistic gifts, not only to express my own feelings and battles, but to find others where they are. I want my work to touch their lives and give them hope. Whether it be through the exhibit that I am working on, a bright beautiful painting, or a portrait of a loved one. People need a connection, I believe art can do that.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to paint portraits of loves ones. I have done several paintings that were of people who had passed. Many times, the families only have separate photos and I combine a couple in one painting. One of my favorites, an aunt commissioned one of her late brother with her niece. They didnt have any current photos together. I received a photograph of the young woman holding it with a teary smile. That is what it’s all about!
Contact Info:
- Website: ArtWorksbyJeniReynolds.com
- Instagram: ArtWorkbyJeniReynolds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064162382379