Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Peart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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 quit my stable teaching job and renewed my painting practice after a decade of not making art. The biggest risk of my life was not just about changing careers; it was about reclaiming my identity as an artist and reestablishing a vital connection to my creativity. My creative practice began at a young age with a deep-seated love for drawing and painting, nurtured by my parents and teachers, pursued through Sacramento community colleges and later at Mills College in Oakland, under Hung Liu and Michael Hall. I never thought I would not make art. Yet despite knowing the statistics about art majors abandoning their practice post-graduation, I still chose the path of classroom teaching and stopped making art. I sought the perceived stability teaching seemed to offer after the economic crash of 2008. “I’ll make art in the afternoons and during the summers,” I sillily thought.

The reality of teaching, however, was far from what I had imagined. The demands of the profession consumed me entirely, leaving no room for my own artistic pursuits. The stress and sacrifice became overwhelming, and despite having a dedicated studio space for five years, I found myself unable to pick up a paintbrush. It took intensive therapy for me to recognize that my personality was ill-suited for the all-consuming nature of teaching. When I finally decided to leave the profession, it was with a sense of liberation rather than regret.

With support and encouragement from my partner, I built a small backyard art studio in Sacramento, where I began to reconnect with my artistic practice. Starting from scratch, I painted postcards and holiday ornaments to fund larger projects. This humble beginning reignited my passion and set me on a new path. I established a website, crafted a marketing strategy with the help of a friend, and engaged with the local art community by applying for group shows, open calls for art, and grants.

As my practice grew, I began to secure more opportunities, from pop-up art group shows to commissions, and eventually, my first solo show. Each step has reinforced my commitment to my practice and to myself. My paintings explore the human relationship with Nature. My journey back to art-making gives me hope for a species relearning to live in harmony with Earth as we once did (and Indigenous people have continued to do). Perhaps the biggest risk I ever took was forgetting my connection to Creativity. By choosing to once again pursue art, I am not only reclaiming my identity but also contributing to the world-building of a brighter future. Instead of teaching students to envision alternative futures, I now freely create my own parallel worlds on canvas. I cannot wait to build my next chapter.

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.

I grew up in a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where I developed a profound connection with Nature. This connection is a cornerstone of my artistic practice. My favorite place is the Yuba River, where I spend every birthday. I also cultivate a native plant garden and am working on a pigment garden to make some of my own paints. These personal connections to the land deeply influence my creative practice.

As an avid reader, particularly of science fiction and visionary fiction, I draw inspiration from the worlds created by authors like Octavia Butler and Ursula K. Le Guin. Their ability to envision alternative universes fuels my imagination. My hobbies, including traveling to National Parks, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and watching Star Trek, further feed my creative process.

My studio practice and art business are driven by values of community, sustainability, and social responsibility. I believe in the transformative power of Creativity and its potential to shape a better tomorrow. My goal is to foster deeper connections to ourselves and our land and to envision micro-communities committed to mutual support and environmental stewardship.

It is my goal to always share my knowledge and passion with others. My dedication to my values and my commitment to creating art that reflects a harmonious relationship with nature makes my practice that much more meaningful. I am proud of the connections I’ve made within the art community and the opportunities that showcase my work in various public venues. It is my goal to share my art with a broader audience and hold the doors open for others to come in and make their own art for the world.

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

My creative process is deeply intertwined with the concept of world-building, both in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, and in the tangible world we inhabit. As a voracious reader of science fiction and fantasy, the imaginative worlds crafted by my favorite authors, as well as the dynamic storytelling in games like Dungeons & Dragons, profoundly influence my paintings. These narratives are not escapism; they are blueprints for worlds where societal structures can be reimagined and where new ways of living can be explored.

World-building in these genres can teach us about the potential of Creativity to envision and construct societies that prioritize connection and sustainability. I strive to create works that not only depict the beauty and complexity of the natural world but also inspire viewers to think about how we can rebuild our relationship with the environment and each other in more harmonious and sustainable ways.

My mission is also deeply influenced by Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. This book has been a guiding force in understanding how small, intentional actions can create significant and meaningful change. Brown’s ideas about adaptability, interdependence, and transformation resonate with my belief that art can be a catalyst for personal and societal change. By embedding these principles into my practice, I aim to foster a sense of community and resilience, encouraging viewers and fellow artists to envision and work towards thriving, restored environments.

Design also plays a crucial role in shaping society. The way we design our living environments and systems reflects and influences our values and behaviors. Good design can foster community, promote sustainability, and enhance our quality of life. As an artist, I am deeply interested in how design intersects with these goals. My paintings often incorporate elements of design and architecture, exploring how we can create spaces that nurture connection. This holistic approach to design not only influences the aesthetic aspects of my work but also informs the underlying message of creating a world where art and design serve the greater good.

My studio practice is driven by a mission to build connections—between ourselves, our communities, and our environment—through intentional design and the power of art. Inspired by the visionary worlds of science fiction, the principles of Emergent Strategy, and the transformative potential of good design, I aim to create works that encourage us all to imagine and strive for a more connected, sustainable, and just world.

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

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to fundamentally recognize the Creative Economy as the most crucial and dynamic engine of progress and innovation. The ability to think around corners and dream up new realities is essential for addressing the complex challenges we face today. Every innovation, every solution, begins as a dream. Just as someone once (tragically) envisioned drilling into the earth for ancient sludge in order to fuel our civilization, we must now dream and envision a planet where creativity and sustainability are at the forefront of our collective endeavors.

Here are some specific ways we can support a thriving creative ecosystem:

Invest in Arts Education: From a young age, children should be encouraged to explore their creativity through a comprehensive arts education. ALL schools should provide robust art programs that include visual arts, music, theater, and dance. We need fully-funded schools with fully-funded art departments. Arts funding should not be tied to property value. We all know that art-making not only fosters creative thinking but also teaches critical problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence – so let’s fund it!

Provide Funding and Grants: Governments, private organizations, and philanthropic entities should increase funding and grants for artists and creative projects. These funds can support everything from public art installations to independent films, helping artists focus on their craft without the constant stress of financial instability.

Create Accessible Spaces: Affordable studio spaces, galleries, and performance venues are essential for artists to create and share their work. Cities should prioritize the development of such spaces, making them accessible to artists of all economic backgrounds. Artists of color and artists with disabilities should be centered in this movement toward access to the arts. We have countless empty offices and retail spaces in downtowns across the country. Let’s repurpose them for affordable art spaces.

Encourage Collaboration and Community Building: Support for artist cooperatives, creative hubs, and residencies can foster collaboration and innovation. These spaces allow artists to share resources, ideas, and inspiration, building a stronger, more interconnected creative community.

Integrate Art into Public Life: Public art should be a staple in all cities and towns. This not only beautifies our shared spaces but also makes art accessible to everyone, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection to the creative process.

Promote Creative Industries: The creative sector, including music, performance, design, architecture, film, and digital media, should be recognized as vital to the economy. Policies and initiatives that support creative industries can drive economic growth and innovation.

Champion Fair Compensation: Artists should be fairly compensated for their work. This means not only paying artists for their creations but also ensuring they have access to healthcare, retirement plans, and other benefits that provide long-term security.

Center and Support Diverse Voices: A thriving creative ecosystem must include diverse voices and perspectives. This involves actively working to dismantle barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing resources and opportunities in the arts.

Encourage Sustainable Practices: Artists can lead the way in envisioning and creating sustainable futures. Society should support creative projects that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability, aligning artistic innovation with ecological responsibility.

Foster Public Engagement: Art should not be confined to galleries and theaters. Society can support artists by fostering public engagement through festivals, art walks, and community-based projects that invite participation and dialogue.

By dreaming wild and big, we can envision and create a world where the creative economy is not just supported but celebrated and prioritized. In such a world, artists are empowered to explore their full potential, and their contributions are recognized as essential to the health, well-being, and progress of a community. Through sustained investment, inclusive policies, and a commitment to integrating art into every aspect of life, we can build a future where creativity thrives and drives us towards a more imaginative and just world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferpeart.com
• Instagram: @jennifer.peart.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.peart.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-peart-art/

Image Credits

Bethany Marrero
Noel Russell
Erica Cervantez