News in the life and times of Jenny Walton...

Hi all!

I needed to write this after the insistence of my best friend Kimiko. You can blame her for the novel to follow....

Just have to say what a topsy turvy life!

In the last year (2007) I have finished graduate school. Which is no small feat, I must say. I changed my art work entirely a week before the thesis show and also developed it much further at a residency program in upstate New York. I thought that those two things were the difficult parts. Oh, was I wrong.

It was when I was leaving my residency that life got more interesting. I suddenly realized I didn't really have an address, other than where my parents collected my mail for me in Washington State. I wanted to go back to the DC area, but was unsure of how that was going to happen with no money and no job. The week of August 18th held a lot of highs for me. I got my old job back, thanks to one of the best bosses that I've ever had. He called me and asked for me to come back (still part time) after my replacement up and quit, and I sold several of my paintings. Between these two financial boons, I was able to head my car tentatively in the direction of DC. I was able to find a pet sitting gig for a couple weeks and headed straight there from New York. I started pounding the streets for a full time job in hopes of being able to find more permanent housing. From the pet sitting gig I found a great, if not just a little too decrepit sub lease in the Dupont Circle area of DC for a month.

Then it was on to more searching for jobs and houses. I found another pet sitting gig, but it was really more being an actual pet nanny. All I'm going to say if you have to have a pet nanny, you have too many pets. But, it was a decent neighborhood, I got to walk dogs everyday, and the rent was decently cheap for the interim period of a part time budget. I won't say that the demands of sometimes at least 14 animals, most with special needs and better food that I could feed myself, didn't bother me, even though I had animals as a kid.

In desperation I started searching not just the art related jobs but also the secretarial job sections and managed to come up with an arts administration position working as an office manager in a literary non profit. It was great to have benefits and a full time job, but being a non-profit, I still had to keep the part time job as well to keep up. Once things started looking better financially I found a house in the Maryland suburbs of DC with some pretty great roommates. Its about a 20 minute (5 mile) drive to work in the mornings.

I even had a studio practically land in my lap. I've been working with a collective artists through a contact at my residency, and happened upon one of the fellow artists minutes after they gave up their lease on their studio. For those that don't know, finding an affordable studio space is like winning the lottery here in DC. I get to move in to my first professional studio on the 1st of February. I'm truly excited about it.

So...then things got even more interesting in the last week. From my plastering of resumes in August, I got a call from another non-profit that wanted to interview me. I decided that I would at least keep my interview skills honed, as some things at my full time job were becoming increasingly frustrating. So after finally getting a hold of the contact there I had one day to prepare for the interview. I desperately tried to find a place to get my hair cut at 7 pm that wouldn't sweep a Franklin out with my hair, but couldn't do it. It was then plan B to go buy a straightener and some humidity balm so I at least didn't look like I had a crows nest on my head. Well that didn't work so well. We had a big snow storm the day of the interview, so I actually walked in the office after thinking I would be late because traffic was literally going 4 mph, with a miniature snowman on my head! By the time I looked at myself in the mirror several hours later, I thought if I got a call back, it certainly wasn't due to my appearance. It was frightening! That was Thursday.

Friday I went into work and thought, "CRAP!" Especially after having a golden carrot dangled in front of me the previous day. I got a call at lunch time to clarify some questions from the Executive Assistant and by 6:30 on Friday, I had my first offer. By 7:30 I had my second offer as I was sitting down eating some of the best fish and chips around with my roommates. I thought I was going to be able to make the switch until I woke up at 4 am with night sweats that it just wasn't right and started crunching the numbers. I would have had to give up my new studio that was a dream come true and take a pretty big cut in my current earnings. Who knew how much a part time job could bring in?!

So.. I turned it down after having breakfast with a good friend who was there to support me saying no. It hurt. A LOT. Though they understood and said I couldn't give up my studio, it still hurt to say no. Saturday was spent in a big funk and even bigger when I had to go to to work and realize I was staying. While at work, I got another call. This time with something better that the full time job, but less than the two jobs I have put together. I was really excited. This guy really believes in me, not to mention he doesn't really take no for an answer. I kinda like that. After interviewing with him, he's got big plans and the drive to get there.

So Sunday after making a freezing cold, standing in line at #15 for an hour, sprinting to the last three rooms, and standing staring at Edward Hopper's Sun in an Empty room for 20 minutes before the THOUSANDS of people got there and made it impossible to see anything, I called my new boss, and said yes. Going to the Edward Hopper exhibit and literally seeing thousands of people standing in line wrapping every which way and out the doors to see art work helps me understand the power of art and why its important not just as an artist, but also to the public.

So after I turned down the dream job, they fortunately believe in me enough that they came back with an offer that I could accept financially. Thank goodness! So, I'll be handing in my resignation tomorrow. Its going to be incredibly hard and I hope wonderful new job that I can actually say is a career as well and not just a day job. I will be working with a visual arts non profit that promotes visual art and cross cultural understanding through art all over the world, AND they also promote and help local artists as well. Awesome! So for the next couple weeks I'm going to be working three separate jobs, the two I'll be leaving and the one I'll be training for.

You can check out my new adventure as Executive Assistant to the President at http://www.artsandartists.org/

Hope this finds you all well and happy in the new year!

And if you read all of this...you've got the patience of saint, and I thank you.

I HAVE A STUDIO!!!!

I just wanted to give a virtual jump for joy that I agreed to rent my first professional studio last night!  I'm so excited.  I will move in on February 1, 2008.  It will be a 180 sq ft of working paradise!!!!

 

 

Just for the record

Hey all,

The latest spot I've landed is the Washington DC metro area. Its a place that I'm
gettting to know slowly. Its an interesting mixture of hip no money and old world crusty old money. I'm hoping to find a comfort somewhere in between.

I've chosen to stay here for a few years at least, give it a go, and try to find some success (terms and parameters as yet to be defined) then move home to deserts and mountains, rain or no, and wine country no less. I do miss seeing a distant horizon line. But there are lots of things to offer here as well.

So.. thats the status of things.

P.S. Hi Andrea!!!

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