Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Forrest.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Florida and was always that kid drawing in the back of class or doodling in their books. or running around outdoors. While taking AP studio art classes in high school I had the opportunity to model and dip my toe in the modeling world. After graduating, I decided to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, but I had already gotten the travel bug. After trying to balance school and modeling for a couple of semesters I decided to model and travel full time. I was so lucky to live everywhere from Paris and Milan to Sydney to Shanghai. I missed my family and friends in the states and finally decided to move back stateside. When I was trying out NY to see if that’s where I wanted to be, I met my husband (who is from NY) and never left. Our passion is travel. It’s what we live for. We want to visit every state, every continent, and most countries. After trying on a few careers, the pandemic hit and gave me the opportunity to get back to painting. So now I’ve been able to combine my two favorite things of the outdoors and painting landscapes and wildlife of my favorite places.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been a lot of twists and turns. Trying to follow a dream, but also trying to be practical is never an easy fete. I tried my hand at pastry for a while, getting to decorate edible works of art. I worked in event design, creating more immersive experiences and beautiful spaces. They each had their ups and downs and struggles, especially as a person that has neuro-divergent issues. Then the pandemic hit and I found myself painting again to get through the stress and anxiety. One thing leads to another and luckily I have a very supportive husband that supports me in following whatever my dream might be. So here I am, taking the plunge into being a full time artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I paint landscapes and animal life from my favorite places in a sort of stylized way. I mostly paint either desert-scapes or more Florida coastal areas which are jut my two personal favorite terrains.
I’m most proud of shooting for dreams. I’m lucky enough to have the ability to go after my passions, but it’s still a struggle against my own imposter syndrome.
I have my own unique perspective and memories of the places I love and way/ colors that I see in them.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Outdoor space is very, very important when living in an apartment or city. I learned I really need to have easy access to nature even if its just a balcony or a small public park. And you never know what life is going to throw at you and it’s short so make everything count. Don’t wait to take that trip or reach out to a friend you miss or do the thing you keep putting off.
Pricing:
- $35 for 8″x10″ prints on etsy
- $50 for 11″x14″ prints on etsy
- email me for original painting or commissioned prices
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenniferforrestart.com
- Instagram: @jennifer.forrest.art
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferforrestART
