We recently connected with Jenipher Chandley and have shared our conversation below.
Jenipher, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
As an artist, my resilience stems from the transformative power of delving into my art and reconnecting with my authentic self. Through the process of creating and exploring my subconscious, I am able to bring buried emotions to the surface, confront them, and heal. This continuous journey of self-discovery and healing fuels my addiction to know more and brings a sense of awakening. Knowing that my art will live on and provide clarity to the viewer adds to my resilience and drives me to continue this transformative process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a visual fine artist primarily working as an oil painter. What excites me the most about my current series is its exploration of the strength of the human spirit and the resilience we possess when healing through trauma. The ability to convey these themes through my art is incredibly fulfilling and allows me to connect with viewers on a deep emotional level.
While oil painting is my main focus, I don’t limit myself to a single medium. I have also ventured into creating large murals with messages of hope and motivation. Additionally, I am currently working on a fashion line and jewelry, expanding my creativity into wearable art forms.
For over 12 years, I have curated and hosted an arts collective in my hometown. This platform has been instrumental in helping emerging artists find their voice and express themselves within our growing community. It brings me great joy to support and uplift fellow artists in their artistic journeys.
In terms of new developments, I am constantly exploring new avenues and pushing my creative boundaries. I am excited to share my upcoming events, product launches, and expansions as I continue to evolve as an artist. Everyone can connect through my instagram and website jenipherchandley.com
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?
Looking back on my journey as an artist, there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had a significant impact. My advice for those early in their artistic journey would be to focus on developing or improving these aspects.
First and foremost, as an artist who wasn’t formally taught, I believe the main quality is to make art an integral part of your life. Let it consume your thoughts and actions. Surround yourself with art and constantly seek new knowledge. Invest in yourself by taking workshops, attending classes, and exploring different mediums. Learn from other artists, both past and present. Research and examine their work, allowing it to inspire and inform your own artistic growth. Approach everything with an open mind, try new styles, and embrace experimentation.
Secondly, it is crucial to be actively involved in your art community. If you don’t have a local art meetup, consider starting one or engage with online communities. Attend gallery openings, exhibitions, and art events. Take the opportunity to connect with fellow artists, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. Building relationships and networking within the art world can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Lastly, be open to change and embrace it. Don’t become fixated on a particular style, location, or set of goals. Artistic growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new horizons. Be willing to evolve, adapt, and challenge yourself. Don’t settle into a predetermined style that limits your artistic expression. Allow your art to develop organically as you grow as an artist. Focus on pushing your skills and voice forward, getting to know yourself better through your art. Goals should be centered around personal growth and discovery, rather than conforming to market expectations. By staying true to your work and focusing on artistic integrity, your art will speak for itself.
In summary, my advice is to make art a central part of your life, continuously learn and invest in yourself, actively engage with your art community, and embrace change and personal growth. By nurturing these qualities, you will pave the way for a fulfilling and successful artistic journey.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The most helpful individuals in my journey to overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, or knowledge needed for success have been two-fold.
First and foremost, my children have played a pivotal role in giving me strength and the motivation to push through difficult situations. As an artist, my work delves into my emotions, which often involves facing and processing challenging experiences I have overcome or my desire to connect with nature. It was my children who provided me with the determination to leave toxic environments and push past the abuse. They are my life, and I wanted to create a better future for them than what I had experienced. Even as they have grown and embarked on their own paths, they have continued to support and cheer me on in my art career, providing me with unwavering encouragement during all the struggles I faced.
Simultaneously, although it may seem unorthodox, I believe that those who have hurt me the most have been my biggest challenges in building and overcoming obstacles. It is important for me to remind myself to express gratitude towards them for the abandonment, abuse, and struggles I endured. While it is undeniably unfortunate for anyone to go through such pain, it has allowed me to develop a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Through my artwork, I can now offer healing, comfort, and hope to others who may be going through similar experiences. I aim to promote healing and create a sense of solace that I didn’t have when I was younger. With an open heart, I can genuinely say, “I’ve been there, and I understand.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenipherchandley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenipherchandley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenipher.chandley
