We recently had the chance to connect with Jeanie Tomanek and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I wanted to find more like-minded people to spend my time with and decided to explore various churches and congregations. I have never been religious but do consider myself spiritual. I joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation here in Marietta, Georgia and immediately felt at home. It is a group that emphasizes “deed over creed” so they are committed to service, love and justice and equality and a liberal mindset that welcomes all. I have made new friends and have experienced spiritual growth and expansion. Makes me very happy and adds a new dimension to my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Jeanie Tomanek, a creator of narrative and allegorical oil and acrylic paintings that feature women as the protagonists. The subject matter is often inspired by myth, literature, my own experiences, or the natural world. And always good dogs!
I did not start my full time career as an artist until I was fifty and I have just turned 76 in July. It’s been a richly rewarding calling that has fulfilled my need to be creative, supported me and my family and nurtured my soul. I am one of the fortunate folks who can do what they love and make a living at it. I love the support of my collectors who make it all possible.
I am pretty much a one man band when it comes to my business. I create the paintings, market them via social media and art galleries and sell the majority of them via my e-commerce website.
My attention may be grabbed by almost anything and so I typically do not work in a series. Each painting is a new and exciting exploration.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a wild little tomboy who ran free, pretended to be a Native American, complete with bow and arrows, roaming the hills of a farm in Western New York where I lived until I was fifteen. I loved playing baseball and climbing trees and reading and dogs and kittens and the barn and being free to go anywhere my quick little legs would take me. Womanhood was a distant story that I didn’t think about until the world made me look at it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The blink of an eye. That’s how quickly the years pass. Do not ever put off doing something you want to . Travel, go back to school, quit the bad job, leave unproductive relationships. Be a bit selfish because no one is going to grant you what you don’t feel you deserve. Know your worth.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
That all human beings deserve respect. No one is any better than another. Golden Rule all the way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope my story will be one that inspires others to pursue their dreams no matter how old they are and not to give up. I would like to be remembered as caring and loving, giving friends and family true concern and love and help.
I hope people will cherish my work and that it will still speak to others when I’m gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanietomanek.com/
- Instagram: @everywomanart
- Facebook: Jeanie Tomanek
- Other: Fine Art America
Image Credits
All images by Jeanie Tomanek
