Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Horne.
Jenni, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am the founder of Meraki… a shop full of carefully curated handmade goods. I recently read a quote that keeps me focused on why I started this online business, “You may not know where the track ends but persevere and you shall see.”
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama in a home where music was the main creative outlet encouraged. I love my southern roots and know they have grounded me and kept my heart focused on building relationships with people over the years. I attended Auburn University majoring in Fine Arts with a concentration in printmaking. Always knowing I wanted to teach art one day. Since graduating over 20 years ago, I’ve taught at each level school and at one time owned my own studio. I currently teach Digital Photography at a local public high school. And love it! I get to see my own children every day which is such a joy.
On March 12th, 2016, I added the Meraki tattoo to my arm. I love this word and its deep meaning for a creative person. This word is a gentle reminder for what I already place in my art… love, joy, and creativity. And now I see it every day. I truly put a part of myself into each handcrafted item.
Even while teaching I’ve maintained a personal portfolio of work… I find my brain is most happy while it’s creating. So, I paint and make jewelry as often as I can. Selling my work here and there but not ever feeling really on track or focused on the selling aspect. Then, one day, I said to myself “you know what Jenni? You have too many coals on the fire. Combine your talents and create a business where you can flourish. And while you are at it, share the talents of others like you.” So, I hopped on the tracks and came up with Meraki… the shop. A place where I can truly put something of myself into. And the best part, I can invite artists on the same path to join me. Putting yourself out there as an artist is the most vulnerable part of the making process. Making what we love is easy… being willing to share it with others is the hard part. Through years of perseverance and good old southern girl gumption, I have made it to this very spot. And can’t be happier. I still don’t know where the path will end. But I can tell ya that this journey is going to be one I can’t wait to see with eyes wide open. The site is still being developed and adding artists as our paths cross.
Has it been a smooth road?
Anything that brings you personal joy in life is worth the challenges you encounter along the way. I see those challenges as opportunities for growth and redirection rather than roadblocks. I teach several online courses and in each one, I tell my students, don’t lie to the canvas. If you are true to who you are and paint what you love, your audience will find you. It’s my goal with my teaching to inspire their creative journey and help them find their own story, not become Jenni artists. Our lives are so saturated with social media and visual impacts that one can not help but be influenced by others work. But discerning what is authentic to your own work is super important to personal growth. And quite honestly, will make you a more successful artist. I am often asked why I paint birds so much and bikes and campers. Truth be told because I love it. And when I paint from the heart, my audience sees and more importantly, feels the truth in the work. I certainly admire abstract and realistic painters, but I learned all the rules in art school so I could break them. So, my biggest advice to anyone starting out is to gather and learn as much as you can and use this knowledge to find your own creative story. If you are busy trying to be someone else in your work, it will reflect this and be your biggest obstacle to success. Write your own visual story!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Meraki story. Tell us more about it.
Did you have one of those plastic viewfinders as a child? My creative process is much like having one of those viewfinders in my head at all times. I click from screen to screen as ideas come into focus. Since I am the one peeking into the viewfinder and can control the next frame, it allows me to focus on one project as long as needed before moving on to the next idea. As a general rule, there are at least three paintings on my desk at a time, jewelry being made and a sculpture steadily being brought to life.
My work can be described as whimsically folksy and charming in nature. I love to tell stories about ordinary living through honesty and wit. There is a sweet innocence about my work that reminds people that life is supposed to be this lovely, simple and inviting. Much of my work is reflective of my story, those who share my journey in life, and the things that bring me joy. I have found that by sharing myself through painting, I am able to reach many people, bringing joy to their lives as well as mine.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I absolutely LOVE the books by Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work. I keep these on my desk at all times for a constant reminder of why I do what I do as an artist.
I also enjoy taking workshops from different artists that work in different mediums and different styles. This pushes me beyond my comfort zone and also makes me realize what I have is unique to me. These layers of growth just make my work stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennihorne.com
www.paintsomething.guru
https://jennihorne.wixsite.com/meraki - Phone: 6789109747
- Email: paintsomething.ecourse@gmail.com or jennihorne@ymail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsyorange
- Other: listed above
Image Credit:
Jenni Horne, Tiffin Mills
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
