Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Horne
Hi Jenni, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the South, where my most fond childhood memories are of riding bikes all over town, hours in the neighborhood park, antiquing with my parents, and attending the Methodist Church. These memories provide a rich source of inspiration for my current work. My introduction to art came through music, spending countless hours at the piano and singing in choirs, and falling in love with the expressive language it brought into my life. It wasn’t until my freshman year in college that I found a gift in visual arts.
After graduating from Auburn University in 1995 with a BFA in printmaking, my artistic pursuits took a new direction. Combining a passion for art and a desire to teach, I began a career as an art teacher in the Georgia public school system. I’ve taught at every grade level in the public school system. Additionally, I teach workshops nationwide and host workshops in Newnan. I currently teach painting at the University of West Georgia.
I’m an avid sketchbook keeper. You won’t find me sitting for long periods without a pencil and paper getting the ideas out of my head ensuring that no idea goes unexplored. This creative impulse traces back to my earliest years, sketching quietly during my grandfather’s sermons in church. Transitioning from sketchbook to canvas feels natural; the seeds of inspiration have already taken root. I’m a prolific painter, creating works in a series. Working in a series grants me opportunities to delve deeply into themes and emotions, providing a framework that enhances the narrative and cohesion of my art. Recently, the milestone of my children graduating from college in the same year has intensified my nostalgia for life’s fleeting moments. Painting has become my heartfelt medium to process and share these emotions, forging connections with others through visual storytelling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say life offers a smooth road to anyone. While I recognize the privilege of growing up in a supportive family and environment, my biggest challenge has always been myself. Battling imposter syndrome throughout my artistic career, I’ve learned that staying true to my practice has been key to overcoming it. Every time I step into the studio, I carry a sketchbook filled with original ideas and compositions—each page a reminder of my unique creative voice. By refusing to conform or imitate, and staying honest with the canvas, I reaffirm my confidence as an artist. This commitment to authenticity not only allows me to express myself fully but also quiets the lingering doubts and fears of not being enough. Turning my sketches into finished works becomes a powerful act of self-validation, reminding me that my vision and creativity are worthy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I live a creative and fulfilling life in a charming Victorian cottage in Newnan, Georgia, which we lovingly call the “House of Hearts.” I share this home with my husband, Billy, and a delightful crew of pets: Chase, Lawrence, George Bush, and JR. As a professor of art at the University of West Georgia, much of my time is spent in the campus painting studio, teaching and mentoring future artists. When I’m not on campus, I retreat to my home studio, a space that has always been central to my life.
Recently, after my son graduated college and moved into his place, I transformed his former bedroom into a vibrant studio. It’s where I now focus on painting expressive figurative art. My artistic practice is both disciplined and dynamic, constantly fueled by my sketchbooks, which I call my “bank.” Just as you can’t withdraw from a bank without making deposits, I believe creativity thrives when you consistently invest in it. My mind is always buzzing with fresh ideas and ways to express them.
My latest series features birds in flight, symbolizing the release and freedom I feel after my children have transitioned into their adult lives and careers. It’s a powerful and inspiring new chapter for me as a mother and artist, one I am excited to explore.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see several key shifts in the art industry. One major trend is the growing fusion of traditional art with digital mediums. More artists are using technology to create hybrid works, incorporating digital elements with painting, drawing, or sculpture. I’ve attended several Art Festivals this year and honestly couldn’t tell digital art from original paintings until I walked up close to the image. As a fine art painter, I have mixed emotions about this trend and what it will mean for my way of making a living as a traditional painter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennihorne.com
- Instagram: @artsyorange
