We recently connected with Jennifer Hudnell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My journey to becoming a professional artist was by no means a linear one. While I’ve always found joy in creating, “being an artist,” owning that title, didn’t occur until I was in my thirties.

It started to come about when I moved to DC in 1999. I took art classes to build a community and as a way unwind after a long day. At first art was purely a personal pursuit, a space for relaxation and connection.

Then, the social media took over our lives and I started sharing my work online. And to my surprise, it received positive feedback! Soon after, I even sold my first piece. It was exciting! This initial win energized me, so I continued creating art, but only passively selling a piece here and there.

A pivotal moment came around 2012 or 2013 when someone purchased one of my collages. Fast forward to 2016, she unexpectedly reached out again and inquired about new work. I was incredibly touched that my work continued to resonated with her. My initial instinct was to fire off an email with photos of my latest creations. However, before I hit send on that email, a thought struck me — it was time to approach things differently, professionally.

This realization was a turning point. I channeled my excitement into action, quickly building a website to showcase my work. Sending that website link to my collector instead of a rushed email was a defining moment. It symbolized my commitment to taking my art seriously, not just as a hobby, but as a potential career path. From that point on, there’s been no looking back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Creating has always been a constant in my life. While growing up it was everything from knitting with my grandma to sewing classes to devouring any and all art projects in school. It wasn’t until an oil painting class during my senior year of high school that a shift occurred and a deeper love for creating and art started to form.

Fast forward to college, where I pursued a practical path in business. I took a painting class as a welcome escape from the world of marketing plans and balance sheets. After grad school, my move to Washington, DC, led me to seek a creative outlet and build a community like I mentioned. That’s when I rediscovered painting, taking still life and abstract classes. Art became a haven from the daily grind.

A few years later, the desire to explore something new led me to collage. The medium challenged me to think differently, and I was instantly hooked. Today, I continue to explore the world of the abstract through collage and painting.

My artistic philosophy is perfectly captured in a quote by Thomas Merton: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Creating art has always been an outlet for personal exploration, a place where I can find solace, and a way for me to have important conversations with myself. In sharing my works with others, I want them to experience them the same. I want them to lose themselves in the intricate details, ever-shifting forms, the dance of colors, shapes and textures so they to can discover hidden aspects of themselves within the layers. This is where my greatest pride as an artist lies. It’s in the ability of my work to inspire conversations, evoke emotions, and ignite the fire of self-discovery within others.

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

The reward of being an artist is truly two-fold for me. First, there’s the immense satisfaction of holding a finished piece, a tangible creation born from my imagination and hard work, and something I can point to and say, “I made that.” In a world that can often feel fleeting and impersonal, my art provides me a sense of being seen and belonging.

But the most profound reward comes from the connections my art fosters. There’s something incredibly special about creating a piece that resonates with someone else, that sparks a conversation, a memory, or an emotion. Art has the beautiful ability to bring people together, to create shared experiences and forge connections that might not otherwise have been made. Helping to create those connections is, without a doubt, a rewarding aspect of being an artist.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There are a few ways society can support artists and foster a healthy creative landscape.

First, creating a society that values art education is crucial. Art fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence – qualities that benefit everyone, not just aspiring artists. By integrating art education throughout the school curriculum, future generations will appreciate and value art and creativity.

Secondly, providing accessible platforms for artists to showcase their work is essential. This could involve supporting local galleries and art fairs, or encouraging the development of online platforms specifically designed for emerging artists. Increased visibility allows artists to connect with audiences, build a following, and potentially turn their passion into a sustainable career.

Fostering an environment that encourages artistic risk-taking is also vital. Grants, residencies, and other funding opportunities that support experimentation and unconventional ideas can be a game-changer for artists. Knowing they have the resources to explore new avenues can lead to groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of their chosen medium.

And, let’s not forget the importance of simply buying art! Whether it’s purchasing an original piece, a print or product featuring an artist’s work, every purchase directly supports their creative livelihood. Art shouldn’t be seen as a luxury good, but rather as an investment in the cultural fabric of our society.

Lastly, engaging with artists on social media, sharing their posts with friends, and offering honest and constructive feedback can also make a big difference. Social media is a powerful tool for artists to reach a wider audience, and meaningful interactions can help build a supportive community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenhud.com
• Instagram: @jenhud.art
• Facebook: @jenhud.art

Image Credits

Headshots: Kin Johnson and Shannon Hames

All other images: Jennifer Hudnell