Work in progress,
23k gold leaf, emu shard,
6" x 6" shadow box
23k gold leaf, emu shard,
6" x 6" shadow box
Jennifer lives in scenic West Chester, Pennsylvania with her husband, and a menagerie of pets that include three dogs, three cats, and a pond full of fish that lend inspiration to her work.
She uses her extensive background as a folk artist to build small sculptures nestled in custom shadow boxes. Utilizing natural materials like egg shells, wood, and real gold leaf with repurposed items like vintage jewelry, lace, and paper she creates one-of-a-kind worlds. The artworks are much like talismans or relics, unearthed from antiquity, with windows or portals giving the viewer access to their secrets.
Jennifer grew up in what is now called a 'maker household'. It was normal to just paint, draw, sew, and build whatever you wanted or needed. Freedom to make what she wanted with the same quality materials as grown ups honed planning and safety skills as well as the creative process.
It wasn't until Jennifer was an adult that a co-worker informed her she was an artist.
The assessment was a shock. And a realization. Pieces fell into place. The compulsion to create and make made sense. Jennifer went to art school at the tender age of 40.
Although she is a private person, she came to the realization that art forces vulnerability and honesty. Poor health required a hiatus. After healing, Jennifer came to the realization that the skills she had mastered were not possible anymore with her new limitations. Her art had to change to accommodate her health change. In that time she had to confront whether she would keep her art private or share it. To share would mean sharing more of the process and why it is so different than before. So off the high dive!
Jennifer has chronic daily migraines which cause tremors in her dominant hand. She also has a type of autoimmune disease called Adult Onset Still's Disease, an inflammatory illness that causes fevers, arthritis, and all kinds of nasty stuff. And she has also had multiple concussions. So if she says she forgets your name, she really did. The artist is still here. The art simply evolves.
She uses her extensive background as a folk artist to build small sculptures nestled in custom shadow boxes. Utilizing natural materials like egg shells, wood, and real gold leaf with repurposed items like vintage jewelry, lace, and paper she creates one-of-a-kind worlds. The artworks are much like talismans or relics, unearthed from antiquity, with windows or portals giving the viewer access to their secrets.
Jennifer grew up in what is now called a 'maker household'. It was normal to just paint, draw, sew, and build whatever you wanted or needed. Freedom to make what she wanted with the same quality materials as grown ups honed planning and safety skills as well as the creative process.
It wasn't until Jennifer was an adult that a co-worker informed her she was an artist.
The assessment was a shock. And a realization. Pieces fell into place. The compulsion to create and make made sense. Jennifer went to art school at the tender age of 40.
Although she is a private person, she came to the realization that art forces vulnerability and honesty. Poor health required a hiatus. After healing, Jennifer came to the realization that the skills she had mastered were not possible anymore with her new limitations. Her art had to change to accommodate her health change. In that time she had to confront whether she would keep her art private or share it. To share would mean sharing more of the process and why it is so different than before. So off the high dive!
Jennifer has chronic daily migraines which cause tremors in her dominant hand. She also has a type of autoimmune disease called Adult Onset Still's Disease, an inflammatory illness that causes fevers, arthritis, and all kinds of nasty stuff. And she has also had multiple concussions. So if she says she forgets your name, she really did. The artist is still here. The art simply evolves.
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