Hello all,

Just an fyi that between my 4 jobs after graduation, the one most important an only non-paying being an artist somehow has taken a small backseat for the need of cash and housing. So in the meantime, I've procured two jobs (well one really, cause my old job was given back to me) and a pet nanny position. Its been interesting and I'm working about 60 or more hours a week between pets and being an office manager.

It all puts being an artist and being given the time this summer to create into perspective. It was an amazing gift. Because now I realize how little time there is with all of the other stuff crowding in for time. Granted my finances took a serious hit by doing so, but I had one last hurrah for my thesis work, which was much needed. I'm now starting to get back on my financial feet, slowly and surely. There is still a lot of worry on how I'm going to pay for everything, but I think there is relief in sight.

I'm excited to be moving into a new place this week which will eliminate the pet nanny position. I thought I used to like pets until I lived with at times 10 cats and 5 dogs and 2 intense pet owners. But holy crap!, and lots of it too. when you've already worked a 10 hour day (or more) the last thing you want to do is come home and deal with pet crap, literally. I didn't know that people could honestly converse about pet crap for over 20 minutes with complete seriousness. Really I didn't. At some point the lunacy should have crept in and added some levity. I've been requested by several people to writer about my pet nanny position, but I think there needs to be some time away from it to be able to really appreciate it.

So now I'll be down to 50 hours a week and trying to create in the other waking hours. Wish me luck!

As I'm doing preparation for my career search, I took a break to check out the horoscopes today...

Quickie:To get the help you need, find a few likeminded people who share your dreams.

Overview:You've reached the end (or maybe the climax) of this chapter of your life, and need to think about what lies ahead. Your ambition won't let you rest for very long, so get busy and see what happens!

Hmm. How is it that Yahoo horoscopes seems to speak the loudest lately and echo my own thoughts? I guess I'm now searching for likeminded people.

6 x 9 inch linoblock print

Untitled 5" x 7" etching/mixed media

Tension 4 x 6 lino block print

New Installation

This is from the new work here at Chautauqua.  One installation shot and two closeups. 

 

 

1600 miles and every NE state but Rhode Island.

Since leaving DC last week, I've put 1600 miles and counting on my car. I've been to every New England state but Rhode Island. I saw millions of trees, the Atlantic Ocean, tried my first real lobster, and met relatives I've only ever heard about.

life is funny sometimes and the messages are fairly clear....

so this was my horoscope today... I also just found out that my boss hired a permanent person rather than a summer intern.. I guess the stars are trying to tell me something.. I just wish they would explain a little better so I'm not so freaked by the unknown....

Quickie:
Today it will be very clear that permanence is a fallacy. Nothing lasts forever.

Overview:
The stars are definitely in your favor right now, so go for it. Prepare for your career status and the passion factor in your life to go through the roof. You can carry out any plans now, no matter how grandiose.

I'M DONE!!!!!!

Well,

 

Its been a helluva ride thus far.  Tonight is the big celebration of 2 years of hard work.  I'm planning on celebrating BIG!!!! 

 

The last several weeks have been crazy and at time I almost think someone should have commited me.  Unlike most of my counterparts who have been planning what they were going to display in our thesis show,  I changed my entire body of work and created everything a week before the show went up.  So for those that received my postcard...that painting isn't even in the Museum.  Everything is brand spanking new.  Its also been a parade of critics, curators, and gallerists, and collectors through our studios and the show, so cross your fingers for me!

 

I was awarded the Jo-Anne Crisp Ellert Award for Excellence along with my roomate from Rome, Becca.  I think we were both floored and flattered by the recognition.  As well as I received a Mellon Grant from the University for the preparation of my thesis show.  Plans after this include visiting family and friends for a few weeks then heading to upstate New York for the Summer for the Chautauqua School of Art residency program where I have been given a scholarship to attend.  I'm hoping to develop that shiny new body of work there.

 

So...the suitcases can't be burned yet.  I'm still gonna be a travelling fool, but at this point, I think I'm ready for the next adventure!  Hope this finds everyone happy, well, and enjoying life!

 

Jenny

 

P.S.  I"m attaching a quick photo of the new work.

--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

Last inning stretch!!!!

Hey there!

So this adventure of graduate school is coming to a close in just a few short weeks.  Its hard to believe these two years have passed by so fast and what an adventure!!!!

 

I'm including some of the images that I have been working with.  I hope you enjoy.  As you can see the latest, the sculptural wall piece is a big leap.  Its a new and scary direction, but feel ultimately more comfortable, not to mention much more fun!   (The middle one "Disappearance of Constraint" has recently been chosen to appear on the cover of a book of poetry.  I'm currently working with the author and the publisher and will have more details later for all.)

 

My thesis show will be April 21 - May 27.  The opening is May 5.  I will also be in a group show in Alexandria, Virginia called Art-o-matic at the same time.  More details for that soon.

 

As far as plans after grad school? I have no clue really, its the first time in a long time I don't have a plan and in many respects, it feels good.  There are a lot of possibilities I'm currently exploring so we'll see where that leads. 

 

If you would like to receive a postcard for my thesis show please send me your updated addresses.

 

Hope this finds everyone well, healthy, and enjoying the spring weather! Let me know how you are doing.

 

Jenny's latest...

So,

I really haven't dropped off of the face of the earth.  I'm still in grad school in Washington DC.  I will graduate in May.  (It doesn't seem as if it has been two years).  My thesis exhibition will open the on April 18th and run through May 13th.  Right now I'm re-learning how to have fun with paint (who know it wasn't supposed to be completely serious???) through assistant teaching non-art majors. 

I was able to go home for the holidays and enjoyed seeing my family, new niece, and some friends.  For those that I didn't see, I'm so sorry.  It doesn't mean I still don't think of you often.  While home, I had knee surgery on my left knee with very hopeful results.  Right now I'm in the healing process and visiting the physical therapist often.  But progress is steady and I am getting around pretty well now.  Not to mention, it gave me some more "material" for my thesis.

I'm enjoying my job at the marketing firm and learning alot about small businesses.  We are doing alot of work for non-profits that are trying to help the world out.  It helps me feel balanced and that my world is not completely consumed by art.  At this point, I've been offered a job after graduation with the firm and am seriously considering it.  I'm a little tired of schlepping my suitcases around the world and it would be nice to stay in one place long enough to see if I like it or not.  I'll be researching all of my options in the next few months and trying to decide what life after grad school will be like for me.  I'll likely be going to the College Art Association conference in New York in February, where I hope a clearer picture of what is available for jobs arises.

Well, I suppose the painting I'm working on is dry enough, so I better get back to working.  I hope you are all doing well.  I would love to hear from you.

Jenny



--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Open Studio December 2

OPEN STUDIO

 see where all the paint is going!

 

December 2

5-8 pm

 

american university

katzen center studio 257

washington, d.c.

 

in conjunction with the Katzen Museum Artist Reception (link below)

 

 

http://www.american.edu/cas/katzen/event_description.cfm?event=331

--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

That's It! I've had it with the neighbors! I'm moving!

They neighbors argue way too much, really to the point of ridiculousness. The cops constantly are swarming the neighborhood, but are never around when you actually need them. See attached picture of neighbors house. You'll understand. Not to mention, living in a place that is nicknamed the "virgin vault" and is stuck in the early 20th century isn't exactly helping either.... So. I'm moving. Actually, it's all about the extra sleep I'm going to get from being 2 blocks from work and not commuting an hour a day.....



Hope this finds you all well and happy.

Jenny

The scoop on Jenny in DC

Hi all,

 

It's recently been brought to my attention that its has been too long between mass emails.  First,  I hope this finds everyone prosperous and content.

 

So, What have I been up to lately.   In the words of Monet, "Im not performing miracles, I'm using up and wasting a lot of paint...".  I'm including two pictures of works IN PROGRESS, to demonstrate.  Some of you will recognize this a huge departure from my work prior to graduate school.  However,  it seems to be much easier to work on and deal with.  Its something that I know more intimately than any of my previous work.  Something that I feel I can speak with passion on in my paintings.  They are both over 5 feet in lenght/height. 

 

I flew to Boston this last weekend to see a show that I thought might help inform my current work.  Not only did I make a contact for myself with the gallery (which is two blocks from Harvard and has connections to galleries in New York) but I also was able to meet the artist of the show and schedule a studio visit in New York with her in order to help me understand my work better.  This is not your normal gallery experience, I assure you.  These amazing opportunities still amaze me.  Not only that I got a signed working copy of her book to boot!

 

I am currently under application also to move into an apartment.  I found one that is much closer to work (2 blocks walking vs 45 min commute) that will allow me more time in my day and the ability to finally cook!   I'm starting to go into kitchen withdrawals, and its really not a pretty picture.  It is also a place that I feel like I can call "home" for a while and not continually be living out of my suitcases as I have done for the last year and half.  I'm really sick of my suitcases at this point. 

 

My job is going really well for the marketing firm.  I have been offered a full time position after I graduate.  It definately gives me a little more breathing room when May comes and an I have to face life after grad school.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but as long as I'm painting, I can be satisfied. 

 

Anyways,  that is the long and short of me lately...How about you?  I'd love to hear how everyone is doing...

 

Jenny

hi

Hi all,

 

Sorry for the mass email, but it seems my time is eaten by the studio.  I'm trying slowly to get to everyone.  I'm usually leaving for work around 8 in the morning and getting home past 11pm from the studio.  Work at the marketing firm is going well and is offering a good break from the constant studio practice. 

 

I just wanted to send a little update.  I'm doing well.  I'm alive.  And I really am very happy with my decision to come to DC early.  My studio is gorgeous.  I want to be here.  I want to be creating.  Its amazing what happens when someone feels comfortable in their own environment.  I'm really starting to make some good friends.  There have been some great laughs so far and the air around here is much lighter than in my previous year. 

 

My current work is well on its way.  I've got my first group crit in 2 weeks and I'm trying very hard to get several pieces ready for it.  My scale has taken a huge leap and I'm working right now on 4 pieces that excede my arm span. 

 

I am managing to get out and see the city a little on Sunday's.  Its what we call SundayFunday.  It helps us get some perspective and see a museum and maybe explore a new neighborhood together.  Anyways,  things are going well here.  How are they going where you are?

 

 

Jenn
--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

DC update

Hi all,

Just wanted to send a quick note saying that DC is starting to grow on me.  I've been able to just walk into major museums and wander to my heart's content.  I've managed to pick up a free concert at the Kennedy Center and find the best crabcakes.  I moved into my studio on Monday and I LOVE IT!!!!!!  Since all my studio supplies finally arrived yesterday, today is more the moving in day than any.  I was able to snag some furniture for the studio in the free for all the other day and so today it will start to feel a little more like home.  Classes thus far are going well.  There are several new 1st year grads and I'm glad to say, there is a great balance between men and women.  WOOHHOOOO!  It also seems to be a decent geographic mix as well, though I'm still the only native Northwester.

Anyways,  I hope this finds you all well and happy.  Keep in touch!

Jenny

--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ireland photos

Here are some photos from my trip to Ireland. Please follow the link below:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rennyren76/album?.dir=/5b62re2&.src=ph&.tok=ph.4rMFBrG35x2ri

The adventures never end.

Hey all,

I'm hoping this finds you all well and happy. Would love to know the truth of it though.

Just a quick update on stateside adventures. I've moved. again.

I'm now living in Goldendale, WA and working at my best friend's winery. (My address will stay the same for now though) The benefits for me is a paycheck, wine, and studio space for work. I have gorgeous views of Mt. Adams, Hood, and on a very clear day Mt. Bachelor as well. I also have the Columbia River gorge at my doorstep so lots of wilderness adventures are to come.

I have to say vineyard work in tough, but its great being in the sun in the early evening and I get to meet really interesting people coming through the visitor's center from all over the world.

For those of you with travel adventures on your mind you can find me Monday through Friday at the Maryhill Visitor's Center and Waving Tree Winery Tasting Room on Hwy 97 just across the Columbia River from Biggs, OR.

I'll still be moving to DC in a month and a half so essentially its still suitcase living for me. But in the meantime, I intend to have fun with it all.

Jenny

There is no place like home!

Hi,

I have stopped my wandering (temporarily) and am unpacking my suitcases at home. It feels good to be home after the whirlwind year I've just had. Its been fun and awesome, but the bank coffers are telling me its time to get a job for the summer!

So that's what I'm doing this week, on the search for the summer job now that jetlag is a thing of the past. I'll be in the Tri-City area I think until around mid-August when I pack up again and move to the Washington, DC area to finish out my Master's.

Hope you are doing well and hope to see you soon! (if possible)

Jenny

--
I want to live my life not by the regret of "what if", but by its
possibilities. -ME

What lies behind us and what lies before us are nothing compared to
what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson