Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny King.
Jenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been a creative, yet without a channel until my parents gave me a drawing class after my first son was born over 18 years ago. The following year, I signed myself up for an oil painting class because it was something I had always wanted to try.
Over the next few years and as a stay at home mom, I painted my heart out, worked a few art festivals, then decided to have my own space.
I fell in love with the Marietta Square and chose to set up a working studio and gallery in 2009. I leased out to other artists. We called it “Red Door” and became a local favorite.
2016 was a transformative year for me. The dust was still settling from having gone through some major life changes in 2015. I had found myself spread way too thin and knew I needed to focus on what I truly love and let go of the rest. So last December, I went solo in my studio space.
It was terrifying and financially irresponsible at the time, but I knew in my gut it was the right thing to do.
I was able to hone in on the fact that when people tell me their stories (about anything from their vacation escapades to their wedding day or even their first date), I feel it intensely and am able translate that onto canvas abstractly and with mixed media in my distinct style.
I’m a visual person so while I’m listening to your story, I’m simultaneously painting it my head. I explain the process on my website and more specifically through my blog.
Creating art that helps people remember the best parts of their adventure is simply what I do. I’m so grateful to have clients who trust me to tell their story in this remarkable way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’m almost completely self-taught, not just in art, but on the business side as well.
Everything I’ve learned, I’ve had to learn the hard way and through Google, observation, and sheer determination.
As an artist, your business is your art and it is very personal. It’s not like you’re selling someone else’s product. If your art isn’t selling, it feels like the world is telling you that your art sucks and you suck too and you better freshen up your burger-flippin’ skills.
Luckily for me, I was too stubborn to quit. Instead, I enrolled in an artist business course. This is where I discovered my purpose in serving others through my art.
Once I found that, it became a much easier road.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a professional artist specializing in mixed media and oils of distinct style. I help people remember the best parts of their special occasions in a unique way.
I am most proud of the joy my clients feel when they see for the first time, their story told through their newly commissioned art. It can be an overwhelming experience.
Hmm…I think what sets me apart from others would be the intensity in which I relate to my clients’ stories.
I love my clients, they are very happy people who appreciate the positive value my art adds to their lives, which in turn makes me a very happy artist to be able to work with and get to know such amazing and inspiring people.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was shy, but tough (Having two brothers gives a girl an extra layer of thick skin.)
I played sports, mostly basketball, so I was a bit of a tomboy. Again, probably a side effect of having brothers.
I also had a variety of jobs, developed a diverse skill-set, and had friends from all walks of life…still do.
To this day, I still love the outdoors, camping, traveling, learning knew stuff, meeting new people, and I still thrive with change.
Contact Info:
- Address: 48 South Park Square
- Website: www.JKingArtworks.com
- Phone: Studio Line: 770.835.5385
- Email: jking@jkingartworks.com
- Instagram: jenny_king_artist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkingartworks/
- Twitter: @jkingartworks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jenny-king-artist-studio-and-gallery-marietta-2
Image Credit:
Kimberly Evans (Headshot and Paintbrushes Photo)
