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

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my “Her Journey” series. This body of work is deeply personal and empowering, reflecting my experience battling cancer and the profound impact it had on my body and mind. Throughout the process, I was forced to confront the physical scars left behind and, even more challenging, the emotional scars. “Her Journey” became my way of navigating those complex emotions and learning to love my new body, no matter how different it looked or felt.

This series is meaningful to me because it marked my first public exhibition. I had always been a private person, especially about my struggles, but sharing this deeply personal story with others was both terrifying and liberating. The response I received from people who connected with the artwork—whether they had faced illness themselves or supported loved ones through difficult times—was overwhelming. It reminded me of the power art has to bridge gaps, foster empathy, and create a shared sense of healing.

Creating “Her Journey” also taught me the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in ways I hadn’t before. It was more than just an artistic project; it was a form of therapy that helped me reclaim my body and my sense of self. This series allowed me to turn pain into strength, and that’s why it holds such a significant place in my heart.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Jen Hart, an artist and creative based in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve been on an artistic journey for over 20 years, but my passion for visual storytelling really took root when I picked up a camera for the first time at the age of 12. That moment sparked a love for capturing life’s raw beauty, and it eventually led me down a path of exploration in various creative disciplines: photography, videography, graphic design, mixed media art, and UX research and design.

My work spans a variety of mediums, but the common thread is my desire to tell meaningful stories—whether through mixed media, visual arts or through the user experience in digital spaces. What sets me apart, I believe, is the deeply personal connection I infuse into every project. My work is born from my own experiences, and it’s always grounded in themes of healing, empowerment, and authenticity.

After surviving cancer, my perspective on art shifted. It became an integral part of my healing process. Through my “Her Journey” series, I was able to process the physical and emotional toll cancer had on me, and it allowed me to take control of my narrative. Now, art is not just something I create for others—it’s a sanctuary for myself. This personal healing through art is something I aim to share with others. I believe art can be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-love, which is a philosophy I strive to bring to every piece I create.

As for what I provide, I offer a range of services that include photography, videography, design work, and mixed media art. On the UX side, I help businesses develop user-centric designs that improve their digital products’ functionality and accessibility. Whether it’s capturing intimate portraits, crafting unique visual stories through videography, or building thoughtful, intuitive digital experiences, I work with my clients to bring their vision to life.

One of the things that sets me apart is my ability to combine my creative and technical skills to offer a unique blend of artistic and functional services. I’m not just an artist; I’m also a problem solver. I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and pain points, whether it’s telling their brand’s story in an authentic way or enhancing the user experience of their digital platforms.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to use my creative talents to empower others. Whether it’s capturing someone’s vulnerability in a portrait or creating a website that makes a business more accessible, my goal is to make people feel seen, heard, and understood. I want potential clients and followers to know that my brand is about more than just beautiful imagery or smart design—it’s about creating connections, building confidence, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.

My mission, both in life and in my art, is to spread love and kindness. I encourage everyone to embrace their own unique path and to find beauty in their personal growth. Life is messy, it’s complicated, and it can be painful, but through my work, I hope to show that it’s also beautiful and worth celebrating.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is rooted in healing, empowerment, and connection. After battling cancer, I realized how powerful art could be in processing trauma, finding strength in vulnerability, and fostering self-compassion. My personal healing led me to a mission that extends beyond myself—I want to use my art to inspire others to embrace their own healing, growth, and self-empowerment.

At the core of my work is the belief that everyone’s story deserves to be told and celebrated, no matter how difficult or messy it may seem. Whether I’m capturing a moment in photography, designing a digital experience, or working with mixed media, my goal is to create a safe space for people to feel seen, understood, and valued. I want my art to spark conversations about mental health, body positivity, and self-love, because I believe those are universal struggles that many of us face but don’t always talk about.

I also aim to create art that helps others find their own voice and reclaim their narratives. I’ve found that when we’re able to tell our own stories—whether through art, writing, or any other form of self-expression—we begin to take back our power. This is what drives me creatively: the desire to help others feel empowered, to show them that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and to remind them that they’re not alone in their journey.

Ultimately, my mission is to spread love and kindness through everything I create. I want to connect with people on a deep, emotional level, helping them see the beauty in their progress, no matter how small. If my art can inspire even one person to start their own healing journey or take pride in their growth, then I feel I’ve fulfilled my purpose.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that illustrates my resilience is the journey I went through while battling cancer. The diagnosis itself was life-shattering, but what followed—the surgeries, treatments, and physical and emotional toll—was an even greater challenge. I found myself in a place where I no longer recognized my own body, and it was hard to feel connected to who I used to be. I went from feeling strong and independent to feeling vulnerable and, at times, defeated.

But in the midst of that, I turned to art. It became my lifeline. I started creating my “Her Journey” series as a way to make sense of everything I went through. There were days when I could barely get out of bed, but I pushed through. I realized that if I could pour my pain, confusion, and anger into my art, I could regain a sense of control over something. Each piece in that series represents a moment of resilience—choosing to move forward, to heal, even when it felt impossible.

The hardest part wasn’t the physical recovery; it was learning to accept my new reality. I had scars, both visible and invisible, and I struggled with loving this new version of myself. But instead of hiding from it, I chose to face it head-on, documenting my journey and sharing it with the world. I put my most vulnerable self on display during my first public exhibition of “Her Journey.” That was a defining moment for me, because it wasn’t just about showing my art—it was about showing my resilience. I wanted to be open about my scars and struggles, in the hope that it would help others feel less alone in their battles.

There were countless moments when it would have been easier to retreat into myself, to keep my pain private, but I knew that sharing my story would be more powerful. The feedback and connection I received from people who had gone through similar struggles reaffirmed my belief in the importance of vulnerability and resilience. It wasn’t an easy road, but looking back, I’m proud of how I turned pain into purpose, using my art as a tool for healing not just for myself, but for others as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.journeyofthishart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyofthishart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyofthishart

Image Credits

@journeyofthishart