We recently connected with Jenna Trunzo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I take risks all the time. I’m diagnosed with ADHD and risk is inherently part of the way my brain thrives. It’s common for me to take action without much regard to what could happen next. Tree branches that need trimming get chopped down with an unwieldy ax because I can’t find the saw. Emails get sent without discretion to my words because I don’t take the necessary time to sugarcoat my thoughts. These types of risks aren’t scary to me; I don’t get shaken or stressed over it.

But each and every time I show my art, whether it’s an Instagram post or a gallery display, my mind registers it as a huge risk of a very different kind – one that I don’t handle with nearly as much ease. For me, this type of risk is very different because it’s not associated with actions; it’s an emotional risk, a vulnerability, an exposure.

When I show my work, I am exposed. My brain tells me a story about my abilities as an artist based on external factors and opinions. I risk that the story told isn’t going to be good because there weren’t enough hearts or no one lingered long enough in front of my pieces. I risk what that story will do to me if I hear it too many times.

I still take the risk. I still show my art. The cliche stands – there is no reward without risk. Without showing my work, I would miss so many amazing opportunities as an artist and as a person. Without putting myself out there, I would never improve or grow or challenge myself to do better.

So I take the risk. Because when my brain tells a story that IS good, I am so, so thankful to have heard it. I might never have heard that story if I hadn’t put myself through the fear, the stress, the risk.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I always credit my grandfather for really inspiring my love of art. His basement always smelled like Turpentine from his oil paintings and we loved watching Bob Ross together! The truth is, many people in my family are very creative – crafters, writers and painters are spread throughout both my mother’s and father’s sides. I grew up feeling like art was part of me and I’m proud to let creativity be part of what defines who I am.

I went to college in Pittsburgh and earned degrees in Art History and Graphic Design, and later, certification in Art Education. After graduation in 2002, I moved to Raleigh, NC – where I currently reside. I am a member of the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, Durham Artist’s Guild, Raw Alumni and the Arts North Carolina organization. I also serve on the Board of Public Arts, Wake Forest. Through these affiliations and my own endeavors, I have exhibited at Chatham University, The Renaissance Centre, The Ritz, The Chef’s Palette, as well as online exhibitions, publications and more.

Throughout my studies and my own practice, I have explored working with many mediums – oil, ceramics, charcoal, acrylic, and many others. My current work is largely created from alcohol inks or acrylic paint and mixed media techniques. When I paint, I start with a broad concept and then allow the process to guide the finished product. The type of art I create has always been dependent upon the amount of time I have to dedicate to it. The medium dictates the style for me. I do tend to lean more towards realism, which for a long time kept me from growing as an artist. I was afraid of being abstract, but didn’t have the time to spend perfecting details. That’s one of the reasons I love alcohol ink so much – it can be both realistic and abstract at the same time!

I always say that I’m an extroverted introvert. Art nurtures the introverted side of me. Quite simply, I love art: the history, the theories, the physical execution of technique…

“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you; I am here to live out loud.”
~ Emile Zola

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

How do you choose, really? I love creating for people. I love seeing their faces when my art resonates with them. I love the limitless potential to create – a plethora of mediums to mix and match and experiment with.

As a creative-minded individual, I see the world through a very wide lens; things are constantly coming in and out of focus. I think that gives me a unique way of thinking and expressing myself. Being an artist shapes who I am, which is very rewarding from the perspective of self-development.

Freedom is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects for me as an artist. When I’m wearing my artist hat, I don’t have to live in the confines of my rational world. I don’t have to stick to a set of standards. I can shed expectations to an extent.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

YES! Your community is a phenomenal resource for your art development, career and enjoyment! Joining my local Guild of Artists opened so many doors for me and made me aware of so many opportunities I would have missed. The network you create from local, like-minded artists is extremely valuable. Following local social media accounts is another great way of learning about opportunities to have your art seen or juried. Basically, if you tap into the core of your community and really explore what other artists in your area are doing, you can find you’ve created a solid foundation to build your art on in no time. I wish I would have taken this step years before I did.      

Contact Info:

• Website: jennatrunzoart.com
• Instagram: @jennatrunzoart
• Linkedin: /jennatrunzo