We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Kapnek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Jennifer , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I do not remember choosing to be an artist. It think it is something I am, perhaps more than any other thing. Life as an artist can be challenging, at times amazing and I might sometimes wish it was a choice, but for me, I do not think it is a choice.
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 work is dimensional, luminous, and appropriate for all ages. I create gallery paintings, freestanding sculpture and public works of art. I am
working with botanical themes in Portland, Oregon.
Considering the language of trees and the natural world as my subject matter
has offered me intrinsic opportunities to explore growth, change and
impermanence. Dimensional elements, live edges, and branches that extend
the frame are seamlessly incorporated into my work. The inclusion of natural
objects has connected me to a hidden fellowship of ramblers, enthusiasts and
collectors of nature ephemera.
I have a comprehensive understanding of building, materials and finishes. My
work is durable, constructed and finished with intention and all points of
connection have been engineered to completely disappear.
I focus on a clean simplicity with sharpened intention, and a demand for
balance. My deep appreciation for nature paired with my practiced and
creative execution speak a visual language that is inherently inclusive, as the
experience of nature crosses cultural, economic and social divides.
I currently have pieces installed in Oregon, Washington, and California.I
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I suspect this road appears to be more carefree than it actually is. I struggle with confidence about my work and my self esteem. I push through my own doubts, judgements and fears daily. I am strict with myself, and I have disciplined myself to keep moving forward, in spite of set backs and failures. I set goals for myself, and before I have achieved them, I set more.
I am also incredibly grateful and I feel honored to pursue what I love.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that your life is fundamentally about sharing.
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