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

Alright, Jenny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Art is something I have always connected to. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been connecting everyday observations into my art practice: by picking up hobbies that enhance my art studies. Such as photography to improve composition and yoga to ensure I can keep drawing for many years to come. Even if I’m sitting waiting in Atlanta traffic, I’ll take a peek at the clouds and start “painting” them in my mind’s eye.

The best skills I’ve learned through both my art practice and through my life experiences are: flexibility, asking questions, and a strong desire for growth. Flexibility to be okay with changing directions and having the courage to forge new paths. As well as being flexible with art pieces themselves; it’s important to be able to experiment and play with each art piece I create. Oftentimes a piece will result very different from the original idea. Through experimentation, they start to “draw themselves,” and take up a life of their own. And often, you end up with a product that has even more impact.

I would say my art practice is more than 50% research and observation. When I say observation I mean more than just observing the world around you and reading books, it’s also about active observation through asking questions. I think it’s so important to ask questions, and learn from both your peers and people who may be further along on the path that you’re seeking. Seeing artists who you look up to and paying attention to what path they took can be so inspiring, and can give you a gameplan on to how to approach your own creative path. Art is all about observation and of course listening to others stories. At its heart, I believe art is a form of storytelling.

While a strong desire for growth is essential, it also needs to be coupled with patience. Art is both a process of research and of trial and error, and sometimes there will be errors where an art piece is struggling to take shape. Something I struggled with earlier on in my art practice was patience, it takes a lot of time, patience, and drawing “mileage” to have the ability to draw what you see in your mind’s eye. And while it’s inspiring to look forward to big goals, I’m constantly reminding myself that it takes small baby steps to get there. And to be realistic with my present abilities and goals in order to build confidence and patience in my art practice.

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.

My art practice has always been a part of my life. I remember my first “big project” was an illustrated short novel about a family of bunnies that I wrote and drew at 7 years old. My parents, seeing my passion in the arts, enrolled me into art classes that I would attend on the weekends. Through them, I learned traditional painting and drawing techniques throughout my childhood.

Growing up as the only artist in a family of engineers, I often felt pulled in two directions. I enjoy studying STEM and Technology, and even ended up majoring in Computational Media. A study that combines Computer Science and Media studies. I’ve learned that it’s okay to change directions and try out different paths to find the one that fits right. Because oftentimes, those experiences build onto each other and you end up learning many transferable skills. Now, I primarily make digital art and illustrations while making use of current technology. I love including traditional art textures and painting techniques in my digital artwork in a way that “breathes” life into my paintings. Bridging that gap between analog and digital art is something I’m passionate about.

I create digital illustrations that highlight the beauty of nature and community and individual strength, as well as advocates for marginalized communities. For example, I have a series of One Piece Pride stickers that people often find connection to at my in person markets. I also include elements of my Chinese heritage in my paintings through symbols and painting techniques as a way to celebrate my family and my heritage. I hope to continue growing my business and continue to share my art with more members of our community.

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

I care deeply about our environment and about our community. I believe it’s important for us to take good care of the Earth and of each other so that we can create a better future for generations to come. Through my art, I hope to both inspire and create connection with our environment and community. Something I say often is that my goal or mission for my artwork is centered around creating solace and connection. Through my digital paintings, I explore what it means to be human and our shared complex emotions and experiences. By combining fantasy elements and stylizations with semi realism I aim to shed light on our society’s hopes and dreams in a bit of an abstract way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when I’m able to bring joy and solace to those who see my art. It makes me so happy when I get to share my art in person and people will find a piece or many that they feel personally connected to. I love hearing other’s stories about how my art makes them feel or about an experience my art reminds them of. When someone says to me that my artwork makes them feel seen, I feel so proud of my work. Finding connection and bringing people together is what art is all about to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenquanzen/