We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenny Toth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenny below.

Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think there are a myriad ways to be creative in your life and job, and I feel very lucky that creativity is strongly valued in mine. I had thought at one time that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and although I am sure coming up with creative solutions to certain medical problems would be a valuable skill set, I wouldn’t have been able to focus on creativity in the same way! I have thought about different kinds of careers, sometimes daydreaming about jobs with animals or where I can more directly help people who need support. Ultimately, I love my job as an art professor which gives me a sense of contributing to the education of younger people as well as time to do my own work.

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?

I am so many things, like all of us. I am an animal-lover, a mother, a wife, an art professor, an artist, an adventurer, and a traveler (and not in that order.) In terms of career, I have been a professor of studio art for almost 25 years at a small liberal arts college. I also share and sell my own artwork, primarily painting, although the last several years I have delved into sculpture and painted reliefs (these are like shallow sculptures that hang on the wall). I show my work regularly in New York City and at other locations around the country.

I find so much joy in making things, in surprising myself, and also slowing down enough to be patient with the creative process.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Many people work creatively in so many professions beyond those of being an artist, writer, filmmaker, etc. Science, advertising, education, and many fields are deeply enriched by people exercising creativity. So I am sure many people can relate to the excitement of finding an unconventional solution to a problem.

The most rewarding part of being creative for me is surprising myself. When I am working on a painting or sculpture, I am absorbed in the process and almost unsure of how my brain will process and translate the information and material I am working with. When I stand back and see what I have done, I feel a real excitement and surprise. Sometimes I am not happy with the result, but I am often intrigued, as though someone else made something. I think it is very cool how we process information individually, with our unique experiences, feelings, and wiring acting together.

Of course I also love sharing my work with others, and hearing their responses. Ultimately art is a form of communication and creating brings something new to the world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

This is such an interesting question! I think I am still unlearning what I have learned, and I’ll explain. I was influenced by the experience and values of my professors in undergraduate, graduate school, and even teachers I still meet and talk to (as I occasionally take a class in a new medium or to give me new ideas for my teaching).

When you go to art school and learn from experienced artists, you realize that fine art is incredibly intellectual and not just a craft. The idea of what is good art, and what is meaningful art, can be complicated to decide for yourself. Over time, I have tried to quiet the inner voices that tell me that an idea is silly, or that maybe I am not doing it “right.” Trying to follow your instincts and feel yourself through your work is challenging for me. It’s important that I make work for myself (and an audience) and not get too caught up in what I think other great artists would think.

Contact Info:

• Website: jennytoth.com
• Instagram: jennytoth
• Facebook: Jenny Toth
• Linkedin: Jennifer Toth