Hello and welcome to my online home!
This page is where I talk about myself – bear with me – if you are curious about my creative process, skip over to that page! Here goes…
I like to say that I am a “work in progress” – the term artists use for a piece that isn’t finished – because it is SO spot on true. Sometimes I’m stagnant – no creative sparks can be found. And sometimes, the big contrasts in life give us the most valuable insights which lead to a flurry of creative energy, productivity, and growth. I’m coming off a year of big contrasts that have awoken me to a new way; this new path.
From this awakening, I’m working on getting to the place where I find meaning and happiness in every day. It is a choice I’ve made to honor myself and the power and intricacies of the vast, complicated, and awe-inspiring universe. With this shift, I have found what feels like creative magic! (I’m laughing but it’s true!)
My Mom tells the story of a piece of art I did in kindergarden of an autumn tree. I can still see it in my mind’s eye and remember the positive reaction of teachers and family. From that early age I was an artist and life unfolded as you might think, I took classes to develop what I had a natural talent for and received my Bachelors in Fine Art from the University of Massachusetts. But then I lost all confidence and true passion for creating and bought in to the notion that I couldn’t make a living as a painter or maker.
Over the years since graduating from college I have dabbled here and there but pursued other career opportunities. I’ve have a career garden not a career path. I also had a number of years in my 30’s where I was challenged by a very difficult autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. Those years before finding a diagnosis and methods and medications that helped me get most of my ability back were bleak and grayed-out. The pain and disease took away my ability to be creative – the colors were just gone.
When I finally started feeling better I needed to share about what I had just gone through. I decided on a creative avenue to do so and launched a year long daily “art apple” 2D piece on a blog where I talked about the disease, the challenges, and the need for better diagnosis protocol. I somehow managed to create everyday for 365 days! This eventually led to the founding of a non-profit called Walk AS One that I’m so proud to have been a part of but in 2018 I needed to go back to my roots. The pull to devote myself to my creativity and art was SO strong but I was still trying to find my artistic identity so I spent a lot of time trying to talk myself out of it. In my 20’s it was a practical decision to not “be” and artist and as I approached my 50th Birthday the thought of this change seemed like a selfish one. I had also spent 5 years in Real Estate so the thought of giving up something that has real tangible income to the insecurities of an art business seemed inconceivable. (I will occasionally take on a new client or introduce people to one of my amazing team members).
And then something big shifted in me…
I had no choice but to follow what I now absolutely believe to be my true life calling. There are many reasons I believe this shift – and deep, confident, knowing – happened. I will be blogging here about it so I hope you’ll follow me – I again feel called upon to share my life. I promise happiness, joy, positivity, and beautiful colorful images and art! I’m thinking the world needs more of that – I know I do!!!
Please feel free to contact me – I love hearing from people who are interested in my art or the ideas I share here.
Many blessings,
P.S. My full name (and website) is “Jennifer Visscher” but my friends and family call me Jenna – feel free to use either!