We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer D. Printz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer D. , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up in a small mountain town in East Tennessee was a unique experience that shaped my character in countless ways. My parents were young and navigating the challenges of raising a family in modest circumstances. While my childhood wasn’t picture-perfect, it was undeniably idyllic; I was surrounded by stunning landscapes and a close-knit extended family that provided a sense of belonging.
The spirit of hard work and connection to the land were lessons instilled in me from an early age, deeply rooted in our family’s history. My grandparents often shared stories that painted vivid pictures of resilience and perseverance, from my great-grandfather digging a cistern for our family home to tales of surviving the Great Depression. They emphasized a powerful truth: nothing worth having comes without effort.
I still remember those sun-soaked days spent planting corn and beans in our garden, my tiny hands pulling weeds and nurturing the leaf lettuce beds from the tender age of four or five. My parents couldn’t afford to give me an allowance, but they taught me the value of earning what I had. I found ways to make some money by helping out family members—mowing lawns starting at ten, cleaning houses, and tackling any chores my great aunts and grandmother needed done. Each task was an opportunity to learn and grow, and those experiences laid the groundwork for the work ethic I carry with me to this day.
One of my most vivid memories takes me back to middle school, sitting beside my dad in his truck. It was a time when I was becoming more socially aware and starting to think about my future. In his signature straightforward manner, Dad told me that while he believed in my dream of going to college, he wouldn’t be able to cover the costs. That moment sparked a fire in me—I was determined to make it happen.
I rolled up my sleeves and dove into my studies, putting in the hard work to excel in both my classes and extracurricular activities. I chuckle now when I think about the mountain of books I carried home from school every day, balancing them like a stack of Jenga blocks on the bus. But all that effort paid off. I eventually earned full scholarships to both university and graduate school, thanks to the unwavering support of incredible teachers and the grit I developed along the way. It’s amazing how a single conversation can shape your journey!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My artistic practice embodies a deeply personal quest for meaning, serving as a poetic meditation on the profound and often unanswerable questions that life presents. It involves a journey toward understanding that intertwines both the physical and the subtle realms of spirituality. In my work, I weave together disparate elements and diverse processes—juxtaposing the tactile nature of handmade marks with the striking imagery of collaged photographs—to explore and illuminate the intricate nature of existence.
The cryptic symbols, echoes of architectural forms, and intricate patterns that emerge reflect an array of infinite possibilities, inviting viewers to delve into layers of interpretation. Each photographic component encapsulates a specific moment in time, freezing it in the flow of our ever-changing reality. Together, these elements form a cohesive unity that symbolizes the delicate exchange between the personal and the universal, revealing the intricate connections that bind individual experiences to the shared tapestry of life.
Drawing lies at the very core of my artistic practice, serving as both a manifestation of my longing for control and a means to leave behind a lasting legacy. I take great pleasure in crafting poetic narratives with the ever-reliable pencil, its delicate linework becoming a vessel for my thoughts and emotions. My process unfolds gradually, as I layer graphite alongside and atop collaged elements, each stroke leaving behind traces of my visceral energies, imbuing every piece with a sense of movement and intention.
Graphite, born from the slow deterioration of organic compounds, speaks to themes of rebirth and regeneration. As I exert sustained force and allow time to weave its magic, an alchemical transformation unfolds, making the darkest hues in my drawings shimmer with an unexpected light. This interplay of shadow and illumination breathes life into my work, inviting viewers to explore the rich textures and depths that emerge from the convergence of materials and the essence of my creative journey.
I return back to printmaking, captivated by its tangible presence—specifically, the way mark and tone are transferred through the making paper dimensional. The laborious process of printing, which forms poetic images born from the grit of dirty hands and the weariness of an achy back, deeply resonates with my blue-collar roots and appreciation for hard work. I often reflect on the historical significance of this medium, particularly its role in disseminating knowledge through maps, books, and other printed forms. Each piece I create carries a sense of this rich tradition.
In parallel, I approach painting with a similar physicality. I meticulously mask off specific areas, then enthusiastically rub pigment into the canvas using my hands, infusing each stroke with the essence of my interaction. Once completed, I seal the piece under layers of acrylic media, transforming it into something more than mere paint on a surface. My final paintings resemble collages, each one a composition carefully cut and stitched together with new elements, allowing them to inhabit a unique, elegantly anomalous space that blurs the lines between two and three dimensions. The result is a rich dialogue between the materials and my artistic intent, inviting viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In graduate school, we often coined the phrase “obsess over your obsession,” and it perfectly encapsulates a crucial lesson for anyone venturing into a creative field. To truly bring your vision to life, you need to dive deep and immerse yourself in your work. This isn’t just about churning out a high volume of pieces—though that’s certainly one route—but about engaging thoughtfully with your craft. It’s about taking the time to scrutinize your choices and ask yourself the tough questions: Was that the right decision? Should I push this idea further?
But it doesn’t stop there. Alongside this passion, two other qualities are essential: reflection and a commitment to growth. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to carve out moments of quiet for introspection. Whether you’re a creative or considering a leadership role, connecting with yourself is vital. Without that grounding, our ability to create and lead effectively diminishes.
Remember, there’s always room for learning and growth—not just as individuals but within our fields, too. Even when you feel like you’ve mastered a skill or a concept, there’s always a fresh perspective waiting to be discovered. If you keep an open mind, the journey will endlessly unveil opportunities for new insights and innovations. Embrace the process, and who knows where your obsession might lead you!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact a good mentor, coach, or mastermind group can have when facing challenges or seeking to develop new skills. It’s amazing how often we need an outside perspective to help us recognize blind spots in our thinking. That’s where these invaluable individuals come in, offering insights and strategies based on their own experiences. I’ve been fortunate to have some truly exceptional mentors throughout my journey, and their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career.
One remarkable experience was working with an empowerment coach, SB Rawz, whose expertise helped me make significant strides in my personal and professional life! As an artist, I’ve also been part of various artist groups that provided constructive critiques and feedback, which have made a world of difference in my work. These collaborative environments have not only enriched my craft but have also reminded me of the power of community in fostering growth and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferprintz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdprintz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdprintz
Image Credits
Photos credit: Jennifer D, Printz and Steven Broome
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