Welcome to an exclusive glimpse into the world of Jenny Kiehn, an artist whose boundless creativity knows no bounds.
Join us as we delve into her sky-bound odyssey, where every stroke of her brush unveils infinite horizons and captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.
In this interview with House of Coco Magazine, Jenny shares her journey from photographer to sculptor to acclaimed painter of skies, offering insights into her artistic process, her profound connection to nature, and her mission to spread peace and inspiration through her art.
Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder and possibility as we embark on a captivating exploration of Jenny Kiehn’s visionary artwork and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
What inspired you to focus your artistic talents on painting skies, and how has this journey impacted your creative process?
My journey into painting skies was quite unexpected. After spending two decades exploring various artistic mediums, from photography to sculpture, I found myself drawn back to observational drawing. It wasn’t until my husband asked for a sky mural for his model airplanes that I rediscovered my passion for painting. Despite not having painted significantly in 20 years, I took on the challenge, and that mural marked the beginning of my sky painting journey.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes our best work comes when we least expect it, urging us to remain open to new opportunities and embrace them with enthusiasm.
You mentioned the sky as a source of abundance and spirituality. Could you share a specific moment or experience where the sky deeply resonated with you and influenced your artwork?
My artistic journey has always been intertwined with personal growth. Prior to painting skies, I was creating realistic drawings of hibernating animals, symbolising the importance of self-care and healing, particularly as a mother of four young children. However, it was when I painted my first sky mural that everything changed.
The vastness of the sky opened my eyes to the boundless opportunities and peace it offered. It sparked a desire within me to explore endless horizons and embrace a sense of infinite potential. Since then, painting skies has become my primary focus, allowing me to channel tranquility and freedom onto canvas.
Your sky paintings often evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. How do you translate such complex emotions onto canvas, and what techniques do you employ to convey these feelings?
Painting skies offers a unique opportunity to tap into the collective positive associations people have with the sky. My main technique involves creating hyper-realistic scenes that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the artwork, as if stepping into the vast expanse above.
Moreover, I strive to maintain a balance between realism and fluidity in my paintings, ensuring they capture the essence of relaxation and flow. This delicate equilibrium breathes life into the artwork, fostering a sense of peace and serenity.
Exploring the intersection of creativity and science sounds fascinating. Can you share an example of how scientific principles have inspired or influenced your artistic endeavours?
One fascinating aspect of the atmosphere is the condensation point where clouds form—a phenomenon reminiscent of meditation. Just as clouds emerge from the condensation of water vapour, meditation allows the mind to gradually empty until reaching a state of peaceful bliss.
Furthermore, the towering cumulus clouds serve as a metaphor for personal momentum and growth. Much like reaching new heights in one’s endeavours, these clouds ascend with momentum and vitality, symbolising the beauty of progress and achievement.
From photography to sculpture to painting, you’ve explored various mediums throughout your artistic career. What draws you specifically to painting as a means of expression?
Painting offers a tactile and immersive experience that resonates deeply with the ethereal qualities of skies and water. It allows me to play with colour and lightness, capturing the essence of these elements in a tangible form.
Moreover, painting aligns seamlessly with my lifestyle, providing flexibility and autonomy in my creative process. Unlike photography, which is often dictated by external factors like weather and location, painting empowers me to create within the comforts of my home studio, at my own pace.
Your mission is to spread beauty and a sense of limitless potential through your art. How do you hope your paintings impact individuals on a personal level?
My ultimate goal is to instil a sense of peace and empowerment in viewers, encouraging them to embrace their own potential and create a life filled with joy and fulfilment. Through my paintings, I aim to evoke feelings of tranquility and freedom, inspiring individuals to cultivate inner peace and make positive choices in their lives.
Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new sky painting? How do you approach the blank canvas and decide on the mood and atmosphere you want to capture?
My creative process begins with intuition and emotion. I often have a collection of potential images in mind, and one will inevitably resonate with me more deeply than the others. From there, I allow the painting to unfold organically, gradually revealing its meaning and mood as I work.
This intuitive approach enables me to infuse each painting with authenticity and depth, as the emotions I experience during the process become intertwined with the artwork itself.
What role does meditation play in your artistic practice, and how does it influence the energy you infuse into your paintings?
Meditation serves as the cornerstone of my creative practice, facilitating a state of flow and receptivity that enhances my artistic expression. It allows me to connect with a sense of peace and presence, which in turn infuses my paintings with a profound energy and vitality.
Moreover, meditation serves as a source of inspiration and clarity, guiding me in channeling my emotions and intentions onto canvas with authenticity and purpose.
You’ve mentioned experimenting with different painting techniques, such as rapid painting and underpainting with glazes. Which technique do you find most fulfilling, and why?
Each technique offers its own unique rewards, contributing to the multidimensional quality of my artwork. Rapid painting allows me to capture the immediacy and spontaneity of the moment, while underpainting with glazes adds depth and richness to the final composition.
However, I find the combination of these techniques most fulfilling, as it enables me to explore the full spectrum of possibilities and nuances in my paintings. This dynamic approach fosters a sense of creative freedom and experimentation, enriching the artistic process.
How do you balance the need for structure and planning in your artwork with the desire for spontaneity and creative freedom?
I strike a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity by drawing upon both planning and intuition in my creative process. While I often use photographs for initial planning and composition, I remain open to improvisation and exploration as the painting evolves.
This fluid approach allows me to incorporate elements of surprise and serendipity into my artwork, infusing each piece with a sense of vitality and authenticity. By embracing the interplay between structure and spontaneity, I cultivate a dynamic and evolving artistic practice.
Your sky murals have adorned various spaces, including your own home. How does the environment in which your art is displayed influence its impact on viewers?
The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the viewer’s experience of my art. By bringing the expansiveness of the sky into indoor spaces, I aim to create a sense of tranquility and serenity that resonates with viewers on a personal level.
Many of my collectors choose to display my paintings in their bedrooms, transforming these intimate spaces into peaceful oases of calm and reflection. Moreover, the ever-changing quality of natural light adds an additional dimension to the artwork, creating a dynamic and immersive viewing experience.
Could you share a memorable reaction or feedback you’ve received from someone who has connected deeply with one of your sky paintings?
One of the most touching reactions I’ve received was from individuals who shared how my paintings reminded them of cherished childhood memories spent gazing at the sky with loved ones. Others have expressed how my artwork provided solace and comfort during times of grief, evoking a sense of peace and serenity that touched them deeply.
These heartfelt responses serve as a testament to the power of art to evoke profound emotions and forge connections with others on a deeply personal level.
As an artist and mother, how do you navigate the challenges of balancing family life with your creative pursuits?
Parenthood has brought clarity to my priorities and fuelled my determination to pursue my artistic passions while nurturing my family. Establishing daily self-care routines and delegating household tasks to my children have been essential in maintaining balance and preserving my creative energy.
Moreover, I’ve learned to prioritise my own needs and fill my cup first, recognising that self-care is essential for both personal well-being and creative fulfilment. By cultivating a supportive and nurturing environment at home, I’m able to pursue my artistic endeavours with joy and enthusiasm, enriching both my family life and creative practice.
You’ve spoken at public forums about the intersection of creativity and science. What’s one key takeaway you hope audiences glean from your presentations?
I hope to inspire audiences to recognise the inherent creativity within themselves and embrace it as a powerful tool for innovation and exploration. By fostering a deeper appreciation for the creative process and its intersections with science, I aim to empower individuals to tap into their creative potential and unlock new possibilities for personal and professional growth.
How do you see the relationship between art, science, spirituality, and nature evolving in the future, and how does your work contribute to this evolution?
I believe that art, science, spirituality, and nature are interconnected aspects of the human experience, each offering unique insights into the mysteries of existence. As our understanding of the universe deepens, I envision a future where these disciplines converge to illuminate new pathways of exploration and discovery.
Through my artwork and message of peace, I seek to contribute to this evolution by fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life. By inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and wonder of the sky, I hope to inspire a sense of awe and reverence for the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it.
Your sky paintings often depict vast expanses and horizons that seem to stretch endlessly. What symbolism do these horizons hold for you personally, and how do you convey this symbolism to your audience?
For me, the horizon represents boundless potential and endless possibility, serving as a metaphor for the infinite expanses of the human imagination. By capturing the beauty and majesty of the horizon in my paintings, I aim to convey a sense of wonder and awe that transcends the limitations of everyday existence.
Moreover, I seek to inspire viewers to embrace their own potential and pursue their dreams with courage and conviction, knowing that the horizon is not a barrier but a gateway to new adventures and experiences. In this way, my paintings serve as a reminder of the limitless potential that resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered and explored.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are struggling to find their unique voice and artistic style?
My advice to aspiring artists is simple: trust in your intuition and embrace the journey of self-discovery. Allow yourself the freedom to explore different mediums and techniques, knowing that your unique voice will emerge over time through experimentation and practice.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or deviate from conventional norms—embrace the process of exploration and discovery, knowing that each experience brings you one step closer to finding your true artistic identity.
Above all, believe in yourself and the power of your creativity to transform lives and inspire others. Your journey as an artist is a deeply personal and transformative one, and it’s important to honour and celebrate your unique vision and perspective.
Can you share a glimpse into your creative workspace and how it fosters your artistic inspiration and productivity?
My studio is a sanctuary of creativity and inspiration, nestled within the comforts of my home. Equipped with controlled lighting and a cosy atmosphere, it provides the perfect environment for me to unleash my imagination and bring my artistic visions to life.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the soothing sounds of the outdoors, I find myself immersed in a world of limitless possibility and creative expression. Whether I’m painting at the crack of dawn or late into the night, my studio serves as a sacred space where I can connect with my innermost thoughts and emotions, channeling them onto canvas with passion and purpose.
How do you stay connected with your audience and maintain a sense of community through your mailing list and other platforms?
I stay connected with my audience through regular updates and engagement across various platforms, including social media and email newsletters. By sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, upcoming projects, and personal insights, I strive to foster a sense of community and connection with my followers.
Moreover, I actively encourage feedback and interaction, inviting viewers to share their thoughts, experiences, and artwork with me. This open dialogue not only strengthens the bond between artist and audience but also creates a supportive and inclusive space where creativity can flourish and thrive.
Looking ahead, what artistic goals or projects are you most excited about pursuing in the near future?
I’m excited to explore new avenues of creativity and innovation, particularly through live online workshops and interactive experiences. By sharing my painting techniques and insights with aspiring artists and enthusiasts, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys and unlock their full artistic potential.
Additionally, I’m passionate about expanding my reach and sharing my message of peace and empowerment with a wider audience. Whether through new collaborations, exhibitions, or community initiatives, I look forward to continuing my mission of spreading beauty and inspiration to the world.
If you didn’t become an artist, what other career would you have pursued?
Regardless of the career path I might have chosen, I know that art would have always been an integral part of my life. Whether as a hobbyist or a professional, I would have found ways to express my creativity and share my passion for beauty and inspiration with others.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
One destination that has always captured my imagination is the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. During the rainy season, when the shallow water creates a mirror of the sky, it becomes a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty and wonder—a perfect reflection of the infinite expanses I seek to capture in my artwork.
What’s your go-to quote when you are lacking motivation?
My go-to quote when I’m lacking motivation is simply “Allow.” By reminding myself to let go of resistance and embrace the flow of creativity and inspiration, I’m able to cultivate a sense of ease and receptivity that ignites my passion and reignites my motivation.
Whether through meditation, reflection, or simply taking a moment to connect with my innermost desires, I find that allowing myself the space to be present and open to the possibilities that lie ahead is often the most powerful catalyst for creative renewal and inspiration.
Where can people follow you and find out more?
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @jennykiehnart, or visit my website at jennykiehn.com to explore my portfolio, upcoming events, and more. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing the beauty and inspiration of the skies!
If Jenny Kiehn’s skybound odyssey has inspired you to explore the wonders of the world and unleash your own creative potential, we invite you to continue your journey with us.
Head over to our site for more inspiring stories in our Worldwide Wonders series, where you’ll discover captivating tales of adventure, innovation, and inspiration from around the globe.
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