Jenny Brown Interview
Jenny Brown | @jennybrownart
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.
Hi! My name is Jenny Brown, and I am a visual artist based in the beautiful and quirky little city of Providence, RI. My primary mediums are drawing & collage, and I absolutely love searching for, collecting, and working with paper ephemera. I also have roles as sister, friend, wife, and auntie to 6 nephews!
“I love the feeling of uncovering a lost memento or keepsake when I source materials for my work, and always hope to do justice to the history of these pieces by giving them a new life.”
How did you get your start as an artist?
I was lucky enough to have a grandmother who was an artist and full-time art educator, so art was always around and encouraged throughout my childhood. But it wasn’t until I got to college in the early 1990s, and started taking painting classes that I realized that I wanted it to be my career.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the feeling of uncovering a lost memento or keepsake when I source materials for my work, and always hope to do justice to the history of these pieces by giving them a new life.
What do you find most challenging?
I’m a workaholic, mostly because I enjoy what I do! But it becomes a challenge to separate work time and rest time when you are working for yourself, and there are definitely times when I find it hard to take a break because I’m afraid I’ll miss something. Learning to have more boundaries is a work in progress for sure. :)
When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?
I first remember what a gift it is to be able to make art full-time, and then remember the incredibly long list of tough things I had to overcome to get to this place over the years. I remember that I made it before, and I know I am dedicated enough to make it again.
Who is someone you admire most and why?
My grandmother Madeline, who we called Dee Dee! She worked as a full time art educator and visual artist all while being a single mom to 2 children, at a time when a single woman with a full time career raised eyebrows. She didn’t get it all right, but I admire her for sticking with her love of art, and incorporating into her lifestyle however she could.
Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.
Uncovering a junk drawer or a messy attic. There is always the possibility to find a treasure you thought you had lost or materials for art works!
Anything weird on your bucketlist?
I would love to go on a vacation where the only activity is visiting coffee shops and drinking coffee!
Top three songs you keep on repeat?
Journey in Satchindinanda by Alice Coltrane
Meta Angel by fka twigs
Possibly Maybe by Bjork
Podcast you can’t get enough of?
I’m actually not really a podcast person, but I do love audio books. I’m currently listening to Fierce Poise, which is a biography of painter Helen Frankenthaler.
How do you fuel for the day?
Plenty of coffee, a protein shake, and lots of snacks. I’d rather eat snacks all day rather than a meal! And when I can, a long walk before working is always a wonderful way to start the day.
Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!
It’s my dream to have my work incorporated into the packaging for a beauty product line, especially a perfume!
Jenny Brown | @jennybrownart
www.jennybrownart.com
