We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Alton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From the very beginning, creativity was an intrinsic part of who I was. As a child, my parents recognized this spark in me and nurtured it, always ensuring I had every art supply I could imagine. Whether it was paper, paints, or ink, I had the tools to create—yet, my greatest inspiration wasn’t found within those supplies, but in the world outside.
My connection to art has always been deeply rooted in nature. Growing up in British Columbia, I spent countless hours exploring the forests, walking along the rugged coastline, and learning about the land from my dad. Those nature walks weren’t just strolls through the wilderness—they were lessons in the language of the Pacific Northwest. I absorbed the stories of the towering trees, the movements of the wildlife, and the ever-changing moods of the ocean. I was in awe of it all, and as much as I tried, I couldn’t quite put into words how breathtaking it was. That’s when I turned to art.
I started with ink and watercolors, trying to capture the beauty that surrounded me. At first, it was simply for myself—a way to express what I saw and felt when I was immersed in the wilderness. But over time, my work evolved. I began creating pieces that went beyond simple sketches; they were meditative, detailed, and deeply personal. Drawing became an extension of my experience in nature, a way to preserve those moments in a form that felt just as raw and untamed as the landscapes themselves.
The realization that my work might resonate with others came gradually. I received compliments, inquiries, and even requests from people who wanted my art tattooed onto their skin—a deeply personal and humbling honor. It was in those moments that I started to wonder: could this become something more? Could I build something lasting, something I could always look at with pride? The answer was yes. That was the moment Sitkas & Seas was born.
Sitkas & Seas is a reflection of the two elements that define my creative identity: the Pacific waters of BC and the untamed wilderness that stretches beyond the coastline. It’s where I feel most inspired, most at home, and most myself. Each piece I create is an extension of my experiences—of places that have brought me joy, of moments that have left me in awe.
My work is brought to life through pointillism, a method that demands patience, precision, and time—sometimes up to 80 hours per piece. Every single dot of ink is intentional, coming together to form seamless, intricate landscapes that mirror the textures and details of the wild.
Choosing to share my art with the world wasn’t easy. There’s always the fear of judgment, the worry of how it will be received, and the vulnerability of putting something so personal out into the open. But ultimately, the love I have for this craft, and for the landscapes that inspire it, outweighs any hesitation. Art is my way of honoring the land, of preserving its beauty, and of inviting others to see the Pacific Northwest through my eyes.
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?
My creative process is slow and intentional. Each piece I create is a journey, one that allows me to heal, reflect, and be fully at peace. Working with ink and the meticulous technique of pointillism, I build each landscape with hundreds of thousands of carefully placed dots, weaving together the details that bring these places to life on paper. While my originals may start small—often only 3” in diameter—the depth and intricacy within them tell a much larger story.
Much of my inspiration comes from places that hold deep personal significance, but I also recognize that these landscapes resonate with others who have their own memories tied to them. My work serves as a bridge between my experiences and those of the people who cherish these same spaces. While I’m often asked to create specific locations, I carefully choose what I draw based on what truly moves me, ensuring that every piece I make is filled with the same passion and devotion that I felt when standing in that very place.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing my collections, expanding beyond landscapes to explore the creatures that inhabit the Pacific Northwest. Through my work, I aim to keep the tradition of pointillism alive in a modern world, proving that patience and craftsmanship still have a place in contemporary art.
What sets me apart as an artist is my unwavering commitment to this traditional technique and my deep admiration for the wild. Every dot of ink, every hour spent in the creative process, is a reflection of the soul I pour into my work. I want people to see that dedication, to feel the presence of nature in my pieces, and to experience the same sense of wonder that first inspired me to pick up a pen.
For those who follow my journey, I hope my art serves as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, the importance of slowing down, and the connection we all share with the landscapes we call home.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey has always been driven by a simple yet deeply rooted vision: a life surrounded by nature, where I can create freely, immersed in the landscapes that inspire me. Since childhood, I’ve held onto this dream—a cozy cabin in the forest, nestled among towering trees, with a river or the ocean nearby and a greenhouse to tend to. A place where I can wake up each day and pour my heart into my art, uninterrupted by the chaos of the modern world. That vision has never wavered, but the path to achieving it has been anything but straightforward.
From a young age, I struggled with neurological challenges that I couldn’t fully understand. As a late teen, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, a revelation that answered many questions but also created new obstacles. I quickly realized that certain career paths weren’t going to be sustainable for me, and despite my creative nature, I initially felt the pressure to find a “stable” profession. I worked in industries that didn’t align with my personality or passions, pushing myself through high-stress environments, believing that financial security was my only option.
Despite these challenges, my artistic drive never faded. I worked hard to rise through the ranks in the marine industry, proving to myself that I was capable, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t where I was meant to be. Art had always been my anchor, my way of making sense of the world, and I eventually realized that true stability for me wasn’t about a conventional career—it was about dedicating my life to my creative practice.
My mission as an artist is about more than just creating beautiful works of art. It’s about healing, finding peace, and embracing a way of life that allows me to thrive despite the challenges I face. Through my work, I strive to bring the same sense of tranquility and connection to others that I experience while creating. Every dot of ink, every landscape I draw, is a reflection of that journey—of resilience, of the need to slow down, and of the pursuit of a life that feels true to who I am.
I still have a long way to go, and epilepsy will always be a part of my reality, but through my art, I’ve found a way to build the life I’ve always wanted. My work is not just a passion—it’s a practice of mindfulness, a way to bring my dream to life one piece at a time, and a testament to the idea that even unconventional paths can lead to something deeply fulfilling.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that my work has found a place in someone’s life in a meaningful way. It’s an indescribable feeling when someone tells me how much they love my art—when they share where they’ve hung it in their home, why they chose that particular piece, and what that scene of the Pacific Northwest means to them.
Art is deeply personal, not just for the creator but for those who connect with it. Seeing my work out in the world, whether it’s a framed print in someone’s living room or a sticker on the back of a car, reminds me of the unseen impact art can have. Sometimes, when I’m driving the highways of BC or Washington, I’ll spot one of my stickers on a bumper or a roof rack. In those moments, I catch myself wondering, Do they know the artist is behind them at this red light? What drew them to my work? It’s a small but profound reminder that my art has traveled beyond me, becoming part of someone else’s journey.
One of the greatest honors is when someone chooses to make my work a permanent part of themselves. I’ve had close friends, and even strangers, decide that their first tattoo should be one of my drawings—art that resonated so deeply with them that they wanted it inked onto their skin forever. That level of trust and connection is something I’ll never take for granted.
As an artist, it’s so easy to be critical of my own work, to fixate on the imperfections that only I notice. But when I see someone proudly displaying my art, whether in their home, on their vehicle, or even on their body, it reminds me that to them, it’s simply beautiful. And that, more than anything, is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sitkas-seas.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: @sitkasandseas
