5 Questions with Jennifer
Jennifer is a passionate art educator and accomplished artist dedicated to fostering creativity and self-expression in students. With over 20 years of experience, she has taught various age groups, inspiring young minds to explore their artistic potential. Her own artwork, characterized by mixed media works that play with light and illustrate unique visual perspectives, reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world. Committed to integrating contemporary art practices into the classroom, she believes in the transformative power of art. She is a mother to seven boys, grandmother to two grandchildren, and has lived in the north country for most of her life. Her hobbies include mixed media art, kayaking, gardening, reading, and theater. She has been the Musical Director at Beaver River Central School for about 15 years. She is also the Odyssey of the Mind Program Coordinator and coach for the district.
1. What’s something you swear you remember existing but no one else does?
When I was little I would sometimes get up early in the morning and watch a children's show on a Canadian channel that depicted puppets living in a spaceship. I can't remember the name of the show and I have yet to find it listed anywhere on the web (this was in the 70's). If anyone remembers this let me know because I am questioning my sanity over it!
2. What's the most delightfully useless skill you have?
I have the ability to start a project, abandon it halfway through, and then pick it up again years later. I started crocheting an afghan when I was pregnant with my first son 33 years ago. I got about halfway through and then quit. I finally finished it 25 years later. There are all sorts of half-baked projects laying around my house! Is impulsivity a skill??
3. What’s a non-creative job or task you’ve done that unexpectedly feeds your creative work?
Cleaning out my random "stuff" often leads to moments of inspiration when I figure out how I could use those things in my artwork. For example, I was weeding through a bunch of old magazines the other day and some of the photographs inspired me to do some image transfer prints using my Gelli Plate. It was so much fun!!
4. What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received — and secretly loved?
Oh gosh. Someone once told me that I had a unique view. I wasn't sure if they were talking about politics, my artwork, or life in general but I don't care. Either way, I loved it!
5. What's your favorite color today, and how often does that change?
My favorite color changes just about every day depending on the weather, the season, the holiday, the outfit, my mood, my kids' moods, and the people surrounding me that day. I do, however, have a mainstay of purple with a side of turquoise.