“Jenny”

This painting was inspired by Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I started this painting during my first semester in college. I was in school to become a high school art teacher. At the time, that was the only way I could imagine doing what I love: sharing my passion for art, having at least 2 months to travel, and still somehow make enough money to survive. It seemed like the perfect major for me, then I realized that I was just putting myself in a box. Looking back, I realized there was never a perfect major for me because what I truly wanted to do did not require a degree or a certificate telling someone I was qualified to do what I love. I grew up in a town that taught me that if I didn't graduate from a decent college I would be homeless or end up in jail. So naturally, I went to college. I only made it 3 months before I had an existential crisis, dropped out, and had to evaluate every part of who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. After dropping out, I had no passion for art left in me. When I tried to combine art and school, it took all the joy out of it. It turned from a form of expression into a structured rubric of criteria and I had to check off all the little boxes to get the right grade. It took me almost 3 years to really pick up painting again.

Song: “These Days” by The Black Keys