Jennifer Burns, Abstract Artist
I've always been a very creative person but I would have never quanitified myself as artistic. My early views on the idea of "art" is probably much like yours. That art is something that requires extreme talent and is not obscure in anyway. If the idea was to portray a person, then the painting would be obvious. It would be like looking at an image so realistic that it would feel like you could reach out and touch something tangible and unmistakenly human. You and I were neither right nor wrong, our view was just very mainstream and limited. I've since learned that I am very artistic and that art comes in many shapes and forms.
I starting painting initially out of necessity. I love to create unique spaces and when the oppurtunity arose to redesign my living space, I dug in deep. I'm not a wall flower, I like to get my hands dirty and I enjoy making something my own,
on my own. Once my space was broken down, built back up and made mine, I realized that it was missing something. I scoured the shelves of several big box stores hoping to find the perfect "something". I loved everything but wanted something again, unique and mine. I was intrique by the idea of painting and felt like if I could teach myself how to decorate fancy fondant cakes (yep, I did that too) then surely I could paint. I did a lot of research...I didn't even know what Gesso was when I bought my first piece of canvas but luckily it came pre-primed. I loved it right from the get go and next thing I knew.....I was getting a hands on education. I'm still learning every day, to keep my mind open to honing my skill is what will potentially make me great. I live big in my mind. Those thoughts are never abstract.
Thanks for taking the time to read about how this journey all started. I think it's prudent to mention last but not least, that I am also a mother and wife and those things are second to none. My family give me confidence and inspire me to be who I am. Without them, I myself am a blank canvas.......