Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Yoswa.
Jennifer, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am an introvert and a perfectionist. I believe that it was the combination of these two traits that kept me from exploring the creative urge that was swimming inside me. Finally, in my mid-thirties, a friend put a paintbrush in my hand and told me to paint. So, with no art training of any kind, I held my breath and dove in head first. And just like that, I’d found my passion! Oil painting has taken me on a fantastic journey of self-discovery, and to places I can go only in my imagination. I am humbled that others connect with my work and are willing to join me on this adventure.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
When I first began painting, I painted only things I could see and copy. As my work evolved, I realized I had something to say…about love, life, and loss, so I began to paint things I felt and thought. My inspiration comes from poetry, music, moods, dreams and personal experiences. My work is predominately figurative (usually women). I am currently working on a series that challenges female gender stereotypes called, “That’s Not Ladylike.” I enjoy creating a bit of mischief or whimsy in my work. I have been known to paint too many fingers on a hand, an extra foot, holes in socks, crooked eyes, subtle “unladylike” gestures, etc. If I finish a painting and later decide I don’t like it, I cut out the parts I do like and stitch them onto a different canvas to create a new piece. The titles of my paintings are an essential part of the whole. Most of my titles give insight into my thinking, helping people connect with the work.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I believe the challenges that artists face are both internal and external and vary widely. If I had to speculate what the most significant challenge is, I’d say it’s making art into a career. Technology has changed the way art sells. It offers platforms for creatives to build online audiences and sell their work. However, that means artists aren’t just artists anymore; they are entrepreneurs too. They need to know how to design a website, be a marketer, a business strategist, provide customer service, be an accountant, etc.
It’s been a steep learning curve for me and often out of my comfort zone. But it’s also been gratifying. I’m learning something new every day and connecting with amazing artists and fans from all over the world.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My paintings can be seen on my website, jenniferyoswa.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I have a lovely studio in my home and occasionally open it to interested learners or viewers.
Contact Info:
- Address: Aurora, Colorado
- Website: https://www.jenniferyoswa.com/
- Phone: 3036677512
- Email: yoswajennifer@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferyoswa_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfJenniferYoswa/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jhyoswa/
Woman with an Aquiline Nose
Finders Keepers (Van Gogh’s Cat)
The Sleeping Poet
Girl Shaming (Part of the “That’s Not Ladylike” Series)
One Eye Open
I Like Your Heart
How Do You Like Me Now?
She Secretly Hoped He Would Do That
Image Credit:
Madison Yoswa is the photographer who took my profile picture.
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