Splashing stars of light across a midnight sky and casting ocean sprays on wild seas: Jenny Chandler’s artistic voice is imbued with the most fundamental of nature’s elements. Steeped in the southern roots of an Alabama upbringing, she now joins a growing movement of modern female entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of art’s social impact and glass ceiling. Her studio grows at Santa Monica Art Studio in Southern California and her creativity knows no boundaries.
Inspiring, creative and determined, Jenny Chandler is an artist to watch. We spent some time with her to find out more…
What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?
I love to create without restraints. But unlike most artist, I have found commission pieces to be my greatest hurdle. The pressure of trying to create what the person specifies is great stress on my creativity. I get too much in my head and what drives my art is to have no restrictions. I like to create abs have someone see a final product and decide whether it’s for them. So learning that about myself and knowing it’s ok to say no to commission pieces. To not make art ever feel like a job or a stressor. To keep it a passion that I love and enjoy and get to share with the world.
How often do you create new work and what’s the process behind it?
Art is interesting. Sometimes a piece will take me 5 mins and sometimes a piece will take me 8 months. I create new items weekly but that doesn’t mean they are done. Some pieces you know the direction and idea you are trying to create. Some pieces I have no idea how it’s going to turn out or even what do to next. Other pieces continue to surprise you every layer and the hardest part is knowing when to stop. They say in art there are no mistakes. But once you add to a piece it changes it forever. There are times I wish I had stopped. There are other times pieces become my favourite thing to look at and had I stopped they would have just been safe. Good. But not extraordinary.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do different?
I wish I had started earlier. I wish I had realised at a younger age that I enjoyed painting. I never have considered myself a an artistic person. I always really enjoyed seeing art and was in awe of anyone who had the talent. But It never dawned on me that I could create anything someone would want to look at. It wasn’t until 5 years ago I started painting. I had a friend that painted and I would mess around painting here and there. It was then I learned how freeing it was for my mind and soul. I never expected for it to become anything worth looking at. I just did it as a form of self care/meditation. I would post on my personal Instagram account what I would create and to my surprise, people wanted my art. It was then and with Instagram and my friends and families I built up the courage and understanding that art was something I was gifted in. It took me a few years to realise it was something I could do as a career instead of a hobby. And it wasn’t until a little over a year ago I took the leap of faith and got a studio with other artists and announce to the world that this was my path in life.
How do you keep your creativity alive?
For me my art is an emotion. Whether that emotion is happy, sad, lonely, excited…so keeping it alive has never been a problem for me because I am never lacking some type of emotion. I am lucky enough to live in a city that I love, a city that’s beauty and diversity inspires me, and a city that’s full of people following their dreams. I am lucky to be surrounding by people who encourage you and support you to remind you that the sky is the limit. The only thing holding you back from anything you want in life is your own doubts and fears.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I wake up the cutest 5lb puppy, piper. I start the day with coffee and lots of joyful playtime with the puppy. I live 4 blocks from the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica and love to walk the boardwalk. I rotate my studio days and my workout routine every other day. Some morning are with my trainer and then my Pilates coach. Other morning I either drive to the studio or ride my electric scooter.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has been a huge asset for my art journey. It has allowed me to reach a much broader audience. Stay relevant to my current followers by posting recent works. Doing videos to show everyone what the studio and process looks like.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.
How has Covid19 impacted your business?
Covid has impacted many industries but I feel art is one that took a great hit. All art shows were cancelled for 2020. All galleries were forced online opposed to in person. I think pandemic scared a lot of people from spending on items like art bc it’s not a necessity.
What’s your ten year goal?
I have set high goals for myself. My top goal is to be in Art Basel. I also want to have a piece of my art in every country. I want have art in every state in the U.S. I want to create a yearly gala bringing art and people together. A night of community and art while raising awareness and money for victims of domestic violence.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care to me is taking care of your mind, body and soul. I train hard to keep my body in shape with about 10 workouts a week between weight training and Pilates. So self care for my body is very important. Weekly chiropractor and massages are a must. I also do Cryo and infrared sauna once to twice a week. For my mind self care I do a few things. Painting is my favourite form of mental self care. I put on music and turn off my mind and create. It is the most freeing I feel. I also do weekly therapy for my mind to stay healthy. And for my soul I stay connected with my family and friends. Also, looking at the ocean fills me with great peace.
Have you had to make any pivots to survive the pandemic?
The pandemic has allowed me more time to focus on art. More time to experiment new ways to create. More time to experiment. I have used the time to grow as an artist.
Where can people find out more?
Instagram @jennychandlerart
Website www.jennychandlerart.com
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