Meet Jennifer...
"With every brushstroke, I drift deeper into my paintings, exploring places only color and imagination can reach."
I am a self-taught oil painter.
My world is a vibrant palette of colors, a canvas on which I create soulful narratives celebrating humans, their place in our world, and their relationships. The characters that emerge echo my voice. They tell tales of love, heartbreak, joy, and the unexpected quirks of life.
I am passionate about making art that resonates with my viewers, hoping they connect to a part of themselves. My work is intended to be empowering, tender, and with a touch of mischief. Expect the unexpected: A hole in a sock, two left feet, an extra hand, a pair of bunny slippers, an out-of-place disco ball, and so much more.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
During different stages of my life, I have answered to the following names: Jennie, Jennifer, Jennifer-Juniper, Jen, Jennifer Faith, Jenapooh, Niffer, Nif, Mrs. Yoswa, Porch Jennie, Toody, The Tood, JYo, Big Lady, Mommy, Mom, Mother, Ma and, most recently, "Maa"(short for Grandma).
As a painfully shy second-grader, I’d purposely misspell words during spelling bees, just to shrink back into my seat and avoid the spotlight.
If it’s edible, chances are I’ve topped it with an egg and eaten it. Within reason. Most days.
I collect disco balls; the way they throw light around the room feels a little magical.
I played the part of a court jester in my high school’s production of Camelot.
More About Me
What, if anything, is playing in the background while you create?
I never pick up a paintbrush without first turning on some music. The songs I listen to end up shaping what I create; sometimes a melody will send my art in a direction I didn’t expect. Some of my favorite artists are Joni Mitchell, Aimee Mann, Collective Soul, Lily Allen, Beach House, Beck, Regina Spektor, Cigarettes After Sex, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, and Fiona Apple. And that’s just the start.
What is your favorite part of the creative process and why?
The best part of my painting process is when my work surprises me. Because I paint intuitively, there’s always a moment when something unexpected appears, whether it's a face, an odd object, or even just a shift in mood. Suddenly, the whole piece feels alive in a way I never intended. It's a moment of pure joy, and I find myself laughing or crying, as if I’ve stumbled onto some hidden part of myself.
When you’re not making art, what sparks your creativity or joy?
Whenever we can, my husband and I head off somewhere new. It’s always an adventure. I cherish time with family, coffee dates with friends, wandering through museums and galleries, or simply stepping out for a walk with music playing in my ears. I love shopping—whether I’m hunting for clothes or tracking down art supplies. Lately, spending time with my one-year-old grandson has brought a whole new kind of joy. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds me how magical simple things can be.