Monday, May 26, 2008


Eleven pieces to the Gallery, several custom orders, and an art show later, I finally have time to write! Everything's been going well; there are so many stories I have to tell you, but the most memorable is one of a client I met at the show.

She was drawn to the necklace in this photo, and I wanted to tell her the story behind it. I made it after thinking about the proverb "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" - it turned out exactly how I saw it in my head. When she heard the proverb, she said her pastor had spoken that same passage to her several times before he passed away, and that it had special meaning to her. She said she had lost her parents not long ago, and while caring for her mom in a nursing facility during the final days, they stayed in the "Apple" wing.

We talked like long lost friends about caring for parents, cancer, pain, loss, and life going on. We were so teary-eyed by the time she decided to take the necklace, the exchange of money for silver and gold seemed superfluous. What happened surpassed anything I've ever experienced. It wasn't business, wasn't just art expression, wasn't just a client feeling a connection to my work. Something strangely wonderful on a deeper spiritual level will mark that moment forever for both of us.

enjoy deep happiness,
~Jeni

Monday, May 12, 2008


With a sigh of relief, the gallery meeting today went fabulously well! In the next week or so I'll have 11 new pieces in there. It feels so good! I don't know why I get worked up over things like this; there's never anything to worry about. The owner had some really good feedback, and I appreciate the patience of the two purchasers that were there. I pummeled the one nearly to death with all of my questions, but she didn't care and was sweet the whole time!

Everything was laid back, fairly quick, and to the point. Nice. I am so tired now... I think it'll be early to bed tonight and start cranking out studio work early tomorrow. Until next time, enjoy our flowering quince bush in the photo.

I love this work

~Jeni

Monday, May 5, 2008


Isn't spring beautiful? This is a photo of the grand old magnolia seen through my eastern facing studio window. Wonderful and gorgeous!

Just got done with a small art show this weekend, and met some interesting artists. I have to say the highlight was talking to John Jude Palencar, internationally recognized illustrator. Oh wow. He makes all of the dragon covers for the Sci Fi series Eragon, so if you've ever seen the very dark and regal looking beastie profiles, you'd recognize his style immediately. He also illustrates covers for Stephen King, TIME magazine, National Geographic, and holds two Gold Book awards from Spectrum. What else can I say - he's awesome! Unfortunately, he doesn't have a web site yet so I can't post his link, but here's a pic on Wikipedia and hopefully he'll get one soon so we can see his work in one place!