We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeri Lynn Paull a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jeri Lynn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I recently started creating paper portraits. The process is taking a photograph and converting it to a paper collage. Any paper can be used with attention to light and dark areas. The first portrait I did was of my mother, who passed away two years ago. What made her portrait so meaningful was every piece of paper chosen represented something about her. Her hair is colored paper with poetry I had written for her along with names and places from her funeral book. The map of the drive from my home in Oregon to her home in Washington is part of her face. Things she loved are incorporated as well; music, water (fishing) and dogwood blossoms. The seagulls represent freedom and heaven. Her necklace is made from a necklace her father made.
As I said, any paper can be used, but by adding personal representation it takes he pieces to the next level.

Jeri Lynn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have worked in a few different industries, unrelated to my art, until two years ago when I retired early to pursue other interests. Currently I am working as an extra in films, freelance writing and penning my memoir, “My Life in a Flash.” I write articles, poems and short stories. I document my travels through journals and photos. Photography is a passion and I sometimes paint from my photos or use them, and photos of my art for greeting cards and collage. I like to use found objects and upcycle wherever I can. I have contributed illustrations to my husband, Michael Wade Paull, for his children’s book, “Feathered Fables.” I often act as an agent, editor and assistant to him on his many projects. We both are each others first readers and provide feedback and recommendations. Together we have built our home, two businesses and raised a family.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I need to create, write, sing and learn to have a happy fulfilled life. Singing and making music is just good for my soul. I am inspired and at my best when surrounded by music.
Writing is another form of expressing myself, telling my story, and sharing my life.
I enjoy doing a lot of art as gifts. I make cards and paper portraits for the special people in my life. I use my photographs in cards. They are very time consuming so it would be very hard to put a price on them. Besides, I think some things should be done for the sheer enjoyment and love of it.

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

My current goal is to become a licensed massage therapist. This satisfies my desire to learn and to be able to help people with their pain and discomfort. Another goal is to continue playing my ukulele and singing and write one really great song! I also want to continue writing and submitting my work. I recently sold a piece of art for a magazine cover. I would like to pursue that more.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerilynn65/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerilynn65
• Twitter: https://x.com/JeriPaull

Image Credits

Jeri Lynn Paull