We were lucky to catch up with Jenny Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

It was the opening of my first show. I had taken the opportunity from a trendy hair salon on South Beach, and at the time, it was thee place for all young creatives to get their hair done or simply to connect. We’re talking good ol’ Miami days: 2008. Before Wynwood, before instagram became a thing, people needed places like this to feel seen, to feel connected and to establish yourself in that world. So , it was quite an honor to say the least. They had only given me a chance on a whim, based off some images I showed them on my tiny phone screen. But I went with it. In a sense, I was convincing that I had entire body of work to fill their walls for their up and coming artist in residence feature but in truth, I had only 2 paintings. I was just a kid really, and still didn’t even know what I wanted to say or who I was as an artist but I understood also I couldn’t pass this up, so I began sneaking into my university art studio after-hours to work on an entire collection of new paintings . I totaled 12 pieces in less than a months time. On Opening night I remember vividly, driving around looking for street parking and the manager of the shop called. Just before she did I was having a conversation with God. I asked for a sign. A clear sign that this is where I am meant to be and do with my life. I felt such a strong pull to painting and I just didn’t know if it would simply be a hobby or if this would turn into something bigger ( deep down, I suppressed for years my fantasy of becoming a famous artist ), so just the idea that I was doing anything at all towards manifesting that was terrifying.

Anyway, she called , I answered and she asked “ how far are you? You just had your first sale, the client’s name is Rachel”….. There was my sign, as clear as can be the timing was quite impecable. I cried from pure shock and happiness.

Rachel ended up leaving her number behind because she had a flight to catch and couldn’t wait. I called her later to thank her but never had a chance to formally meet her. It wasn’t until many years later I was invited to a party at a private home and saw the painting she purchased in the living room. It was Rachel’s house. We are now great friends and she and her partner have continued to collect many of my paintings throughout the years. Thank you Rachel ☺️

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 am a multidisciplinary artist. I began my career apprenticing under several renowned artists, but never had any formal art education aside from this. I primarily focus on paintings on canvas but have also done several dozen murals throughout the US. Most recently began exploring merchadise to become more accesible and have just wrapped my second sculpture project. I enjoy work in public spaces and large scale painting styles most. I am born and raised in Miami of Caribbean descent and am evolving as quickly as the city is . It’s been an interesting ride . You can say at some point , my work became my only obsession, it’s possible that it’s what got me this far.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The starving artist mentality is limiting my growth and my ability to receive. I don’t need to be destructive to be creative and I don’t need to be crazy in order to be brilliant .

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

Artists in major cities struggle with keeping up with the gentrification of neighborhoods that once would support / provide affordable work spaces for them. I think in every rising community , there still needs to be a high concentration of working artists. Without the arts we have no pulse and a city . I would appreciate seeing developers work directly with artists and carve out more spaces for them to work and create .

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Jennyperez.com
• Instagram: Jennyperezart
• Other: Shopjennyperez.com