Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Perlmutter

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

When I was growing up, I thought I might like to be a radio host. However, after entering the world and attending college, where I worked in radio, TV, and film, I realized my true skills and passion ignited when I was creating things. I particularly loved the collaborative nature of film production. I started by assisting on set and eventually found my way into props and set decorating. This experience led me to painting and learning from some very talented crew members. Working on several independent film sets, such as The Usual Suspects and From Dusk Till Dawn, allowed me to develop skills that I continue to use today. My experience in fine finishing and fabrication of furniture informs my unique material and non-traditional approach to fine art. This stage of my career came after film and tv and led me directly into painting art with a personal expression.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Choosing to be an artist is far from a smooth road. After 30 years in the field, I can’t imagine even the most “successful” artists describing it as such. It’s an unusual and courageous decision to expose your creativity and rely on it as your livelihood. Art is my life. I create it, run a gallery, sell it, and am inspired daily to try new things. The only part that truly sustains me is the process of making art and the people it inspires—the community. Even if only five people connect with a particular artwork, those connections are what matter most to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am a process painter specializing in abstract impressionism, figurative collage, and abstract expressionism. I use water-based materials, paper, fabric, and found objects to create layered and textured pieces. My background in commercial finishes, film and tv production, furniture making, informs the approach to surface and using what is at hand. I prefer a hardware store over an art store. I never buy tons of supplies at once. I’ve learned limitations and experimenting with media is what makes the difference. The differences within the painting drive the viewer to pause and get closer. Guests in my gallery tell me, “It feels so alive”, Your work is alive”, “I love discovering new things the closer I get” “Love the layers of material”. What sets me apart is the unique combination of materials and techniques I use, and the deep connection I strive to create with my audience through my art.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up, I was often described as sensitive and clever, and I displayed leadership qualities early on in school. Although art wasn’t a big part of my life due to the lack of exposure in school. My curiosity led me to explore the outdoors. I loved playing in the creek, hiking, and making mud pies and sculptures that dried in the sun in our backyard.
I was generally out-going but have always needed a lot of down time to recover from social time. I am a positive person but also very reflective and the process of painting grounds me and brings me closer to peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com
• Instagram: jenperlmuttergallery
• Facebook: jenniferperlmuttergallery
• Youtube: jennifer perlmutter gallery

Image Credits

all images by me