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11/22/2022

LOCAL STORIES NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Conversations with Jenny King

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny King.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been a creative soul and a professional artist since the late 90s. I suppose one could say that I got started by following my inspirations, which led me to taking a drawing class. From there, I signed up for an oil painting class. After I couldn’t give any more work away to my family and friends, I decided to sign up for an art festival to offload my stash. It was so much fun, but it made me realize I wanted a permanent space to create and sell my art.
So for almost a decade, I had my own gallery and studio in the Atlanta area. That was an amazing adventure, but eventually I felt compelled to make a move to Florida in 2021. Since moving to St Petersburg, my art is evolving to reflect the vibrancy, freedom, and excitement I’ve felt since moving here. My joy is to build remarkable paintings using layers of mixed media including written word, texture, and relevant color palettes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Art is not a smooth road, at least not in my experience. It’s been filled with valleys and peaks of emotions, successes, and failures. Art is incredibly personal and requires a willingness to be vulnerable, and unwavering resilience in the face of criticism.
For me, I’ve learned to trust what’s in my heart to flow onto canvas and that it will be received with love. I’ve accepted that not all people will resonate with my art, and that’s ok. I focus on the people that do value my distinct style. That is the positivity and support which keeps me inspired.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently focused on fun. Having fun with colors, words, textures…and having fun with life in general. I think if one is having fun, it’s hard to go wrong.
The art I make today tells of our human and spiritual journeys. We all experience trials and tribulations in our lives, anyone can relate to that aspect, but to be able to lure the viewer in and hold their attention long enough for them to see what it is they need to see out of it..that’s something special, and maybe even therapeutic, but definitely fun.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness to me is being present, appreciating all that you have, especially all the wonderful people in your life. I take pleasure in the simple things in life such as being in nature, a good strong cup of coffee, cocktails and laughter with friends, reading a book on my front porch, spending time with my grown sons and their quirky dogs, and of course being in the creative flow-zone as I make new art.
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