We were lucky to catch up with Lady Jeni recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lady Jeni , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I always make sure that I never allow my art to become a job. That’s why I stopped showing in galleries, once something sells it needs to be replaced. I can’t produce art on demand, it doesn’t work that way for me, I have to feel it. Sometimes, I may not feel like painting for months, then I may hit a creative streak where I paint daily. I keep it alive by letting it come to me naturally, free from any corporate pressure. Free from depending on art sales to make my living.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Along with my own art & photography, I have opened a feature hub on Instagram called The Mausoleum Door where I feature the photography of other artists. This hub focuses on cemetery photography, and finding the beauty among the monuments.
Cemeteries are, basically, outdoor museums. The sculptures are stunning, rich with meaning and history.
I don’t see cemeteries as a place of death, instead I view them as a place that is peaceful, and sacred.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
It’s not skill or knowledge, not really, there’s no formal training or technique. It’s about embracing my imagination, then releasing it in my own style. A style free from any rules, or constraints. It’s not about pleasing others, it’s about pleasing yourself. Put your heart into your work, and the viewer will recognize that.
If you try to force your creativity, you’ll end up with creations you despise, and regret.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When something starts to overwhelm me I walk away from it. I’m not going to be able to overcome whatever I’m facing if I cannot get my thoughts straight. I break away, maybe read, maybe go do some art photography, spend time with my husband, anything that relaxes my mind.
Once I am in a positive head space I can tackle anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegstream.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_lady_jeni
- Other: Feature Hub: www.instagram.com/the_mausoleum_door
