Meet Jeanie Tomanek of Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanie Tomanek.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started the “second act” of my life at age 50. I have drawn and painted all my life but only for my own enjoyment. It was just something I loved to do. I had been searching for my passion for many years as I worked in jobs that weren’t very fulfilling to the real me.

I wrote poetry and short fiction and thought for a while that was what I was meant to do.

I never gave painting much of a thought until my husband and I bought a little silk screening company that specialized in novelty t-shirts. I began creating designs for that and in so doing awakened my love of painting. The proverbial light bulb went off and I knew that creating visual images was where my desire truly lay.

In pursuing my love of writing, I had studied many ways to unleash creativity and that research was invaluable in finding my voice and style as I began to paint. In 2001, I began showing my work at a little cooperative gallery, Heaven Blue Rose, in Roswell, Georgia. I was surprised at the response to my work. And very encouraged. I continued to exhibit there for a few years and later transitioned to larger traditional galleries in the area as well as throughout the Southeast.

My signature “Everywoman”, a bald, slender pale woman, emerged as the narrator of my stories and allegories. I paint to celebrate the experiences and dreams of all women, showing their strength, perseverance, hope and wisdom. My work is now held in public and private collections throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I found that my painting became a solace and a savior to me through some very difficult personal times. In 2005, I became one of the primary caregivers for my elderly parents and a sister with disabilities. I was able to take those experiences and transmute them into what became a series about care taking and all that it entails. The frustration, love, hope that one feels when faced with those important responsibilities were the basis for many paintings that healed and helped me find my way.

In 2008, my husband suffered a stroke. Even though I was making a nice little additional income with my work, he was the primary breadwinner.

His illness coupled with his occupation of home builder during a recession was the perfect storm of economic disaster. We were struggling to keep our home and worked over two years with our lender to modify our mortgage. It was only because I was able to provide enough income as an artist that we were able to stay in our home. That is something I will always be proud of and grateful for. My husband has recovered and is enjoying semi-retirement.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I paint narrative and allegorical paintings about women and their place in the world. My inspiration for these visual stories comes from literature, poetry, dreams, every day experiences, memory and almost anything else that draws my attention. I hope to tell a story in paint that will resonate with the viewer, creating a connection where they can feel something about their own life in the narrative I have created.

My work has been used as cover art for many poetry and literature collections, CD cover art. and even a college Literature textbook. I have also been profiled in many publications and online magazines.

I think the thing I am most proud about as an artist is that I have created a unique persona in my Everywoman. Being bald and short of any particular signifying attribute, she becomes all women and I am proud to tell their stories. Even when they are in danger or a quandary, I try to show that glimmer of hope that they will solve the problem and make it through stronger and whole.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by being able create something with beauty and truth and to impart an important message with my work; to touch someone enough that they want to make that painting a part of their life and their home.

Making and keeping friends and comrades within my industry, knowing other artists and meeting and interacting with my collectors is very important to me. To always be learning something new.

Making enough income to be comfortable so that I can enjoy family and friends and other interests.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jeanietomanek.com
• Atlanta Gallery: Gallery 43, Roswell, GA
• Phone: 404-375-2516
• Email: jtomanek@bellsouth.net
• Instagram: @everywomanart
• Facebook: jeanie tomanek

Image Credit:
Hadley(s) Photography

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.