We recently connected with Jennifer Hudnell and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’m not sure if I found my purpose or if my purpose found me. Growing up, I never thought about being an artist—it wasn’t something I aspired to, even though I always loved art. It was just something I did, something that was part of my life. I ended up going to business school, where I studied marketing, and not art school. After grad school, I worked in various roles within community relations and communications. Some of those jobs were great, but I always felt like something was missing. I couldn’t quite figure out why.
In my free time, I turned to art. It became a way to relax and experience some joy when I felt unfulfilled. Initially, I sold my work passively, never really thinking of myself as an artist or seeing art as my purpose. But things started to shift when I began examining why I wasn’t feeling satisfied in my career. I paid more attention to what genuinely made me happy and how I spent my free time. It was in those quiet, creative moments that I realized art had always been my anchor. And that’s when it hit me—my purpose wasn’t something I consciously chose, it was something I was already living without even knowing it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a visual artist, primarily known for my abstract collages, and my work takes viewers on a journey through the beauty and versatility of paper. My collages aren’t just images—they’re invitations for people to explore their own thoughts and emotions. By blending paper, words, and abstract forms, I create pieces that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels, offering something different to each viewer. Some of my work is serene and contemplative, while others are bold and dynamic, but all of it encourages personal interpretation and reflection.
One of the things I find most exciting about my art is its ability to create unique connections. What sets my work apart is my deep fascination with paper as a medium. I see it as a metaphor for transformation, for the stories we carry, and for endless possibility. The process of tearing, layering, and arranging paper is something that’s both meditative and expressive for me, and I think that energy comes through in my finished pieces.
Professionally, I’ve been focused on expanding my reach by participating in more exhibitions and shows. This past year has been particularly meaningful—I won my first award for my work and held my first solo show. I’m also proud to have been the inaugural participant in Shop Made in DC’s ARTCELERATE residency program, where I had the opportunity to transform their gallery space into a dynamic exhibition of over 70 of my collages.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to grow my presence in the art world. Whether it’s through upcoming shows or collaborations with other artists, I’m always seeking new ways to share my work and connect with people through the power of art.
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?
I’d say the three qualities or skills that have had the most impact on my journey are patience, continual growth, and authenticity.
Patience is key. Selling art isn’t usually something that happens overnight—it can be a long game. There are pieces I’ve created that took years to find their home. As an artist, you have to trust that the right person will connect with your work, even if it takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when sales are slow, but patience allows you to keep moving forward, knowing that the right opportunities will come.
Second, continually refining your craft is essential. It’s important to always push yourself to grow as an artist. I’ve taken classes, experimented with different techniques, and spent countless hours practicing. This commitment to growth has not only improved my skills but has also opened up new creative avenues for me. I believe that the more you invest in your craft, the more fulfilling your artistic journey will be.
Lastly, embracing who you are as an artist and defining what you want your art career to look like is crucial. Early on, well-meaning people would suggest I create certain types of work or follow trends, and I tried it from time to time. But that same sense of unfulfillment I experienced before in my career crept back in. I realized that to be true to myself and my purpose, I had to create work that resonates with me, not just what others expect. Authenticity has been a guiding force in helping me find my place in the art world.
For those just starting out, my advice is to cultivate patience, invest in your growth, and most importantly, stay true to your vision. It’s easy to be swayed by outside opinions, but your best work will come from following your own path.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There are so many books that have influenced my journey, but Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert stands out. One of the most impactful concepts from the book is the distinction Gilbert makes between being a creative genius and having a creative genius. She challenges the traditional idea that only a select few people are geniuses, suggesting instead that everyone has access to their own genius. This shift in perspective was a game-changer for me.
Gilbert explains that each of us has a “genius” when it comes to creating, and that it’s something outside of ourselves that we can collaborate with. This idea really helped take the pressure off—especially the kind of pressure that can lead to self-doubt or even burnout. By framing creativity as a partnership with inspiration, rather than something solely within us, it becomes more about being open and receptive to ideas, rather than forcing genius or judging ourselves too harshly.
One of the most freeing insights for me was Gilbert’s point that when inspiration isn’t coming, or when a piece of work isn’t turning out the way you envisioned, it’s not because you are lacking as an artist—it’s simply that the genius isn’t present in that moment. This mindset shift has helped me approach my work with more patience and self-compassion, allowing creativity to flow more naturally instead of feeling stuck in perfectionism.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenhud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhud.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhud.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jenhud-studios
Image Credits
Headshots by Lisa Kinnard all other photos by artist.
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