We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Jeanguenat and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My husband and I took a quick three day trip to Shenandoah National Park, which literally is my favorite place on earth. I look forward to it every year, and we’ve been going for the better part of 31 years. Our last recent trip was exactly what I needed, and always brings me joy. We hiked to a waterfall, picked wineberries and wild blueberries, watched the sunset from Big Meadows, and hiked 21 miles in 2 days. It’s the place where I reset. Any stress that life has piled on is lifted from my shoulders, and left outside the park.
Any opportunity to be in nature brings moments of joy; I try to grab it every day that I can, even if it’s going on the walk I go on every evening with my husband. We make friends with all the neighborhood cats, and give the birds names that live in our yard. I’m the odd duck that brings home bird’s nests when they fall out of trees, and collects insects, bones, and any other treasures that I come across in the wild. All of these things bring me joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a painter, an introvert that fakes being an extrovert when necessary. Most of my paintings tell stories, sometimes bad ones, sometimes, good ones and often ones that are made up, but have hidden meanings. I paint people that I love in to those stories, and IF I don’t like someone or something very much, that might just be in there too….. but you would never know, because I don’t make it obvious. I hope that my paintings reflect life and it’s humor, and my love of Christ.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed people were naturally great at a particular thing, and I just wasn’t gifted, therefore I had nothing to offer. Now I realize that talent isn’t enough. It’s the blood, sweat and tears and the thousands of hours learning, practicing and developing skills, that sets someone apart.
I thought that your surroundings were just there and you lived in the middle of the scene you’re in. I didn’t understand you could work to shaping your home, your life, your peer groups, your garden, your relationships in to something beautiful, creating the environment that brings joy and beauty in to your life.
I didn’t understand that really bad circumstances could become purposeful if you choose a path forward. All the bits and pieces of my life tell important stories, because they are mine. It just took a bit of growing up to see that.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I think I’m working on my perspective of rejection. This had been the hardest thing for me to wrestle with, and I’ve changed my mind about how to handle it. Being grateful, cherishing friendships, family, and purpose are a path forward. I’ve changed my mind about how to handle grief. Instead of it owning me, I’m trying to focus on growing closer to God, and the people in my life that I love, and love me back.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Authenticity as a person will come through in your art.
Not everyone who enters your life has your best interests in mind.
There are no cheat codes to become really good at something.
Chocolate is a gift from God.
Coffee is a gift from God.
Dogs love you for who you are, not what you look like.
Don’t go anywhere you’re not wanted.
Sisters know all your secrets and they’re not going to tell.
The older you get, the more time flies.
Buy the good pen. You won’t regret it.
A happy home has pets, books, art, and a made bed.
Lazy people are annoying and have too many opinions.
No, you don’t need cable TV.
Have the 2am phone call friend.
Lucky people work very, very hard.
Love is a choice, not just a feeling.
Time in nature is important. Make the time.
People need to hear they are loved. Tell them.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I can’t settle on what to do first, I know I’m in trouble. I’ve taken on more than my mind knows what to do with. It’s this awful feeling of needing big things done all at once, so I jump from thing to thing, not knowing how to stay on task, because I’m trying to be an octopus, and do them all at once.
Also, when my body starts acting out in revolt to stress, I know I’m out of my depth and need to reset!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chrisjeanguenat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandart
Image Credits
These are all photographed by me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
