Who ART You? 10
Jennifer is a creative artist that lets her love of art shine through! I think you will agree!
photo credit goes to Anna Meyer Photo
Who ART You?
Jennifer Allevato
How did you grow up?
I grew up with three very active, athletic brothers and two loving parents who always encouraged my introverted and creative ways. I was allowed to stay up past my bedtime as a child if I was in my room reading, and was often given art and craft supplies as gifts. While academics were encouraged and very important, I was never kept from creating.
I became an artist because……
I just couldn’t imagine being anything else. I tried; I missed creating.
What brought you to art?
What brought me to art as a career was the internet and the rise of online shopping. With the creation of websites like Etsy and the increase in popularity of online shopping, I found a way to make art an actual career, and not just something I dreamt of doing full-time
Describe your favorite art piece that you had trouble letting go.
The first painting I ever sold: It was in college and a very important piece to me personally. It took me days to decide if I was willing to sell it, but ultimately decided that I couldn’t hold onto every piece that I liked or I’d never move forward.
If you could come back and live as any artist, (alive or dead) who would it be & why?
I don’t know that I’d want to BE another artist, but I always wanted to be able to meet Van Gogh and buy some paintings from him and tell him that his art matters.
Who, what influences your art?
I am influenced by almost everything! Nature, color, design, travel. I love the post-impressionists and find so many contemporary artists inspiring.
What has art taught you?
That sharing your gifts with others is important.
Favorite/best resources as an artist?
I love listening to creative and small business podcasts. There are so many out there! Some of my favorites are “Online Marketing Made Easy,” “Letters from a Hopeful Creative,” and “Positively Creative with Dorothy Collier.”
What becomes a magical instrument in your hands?
A pencil. Sometimes my hand just goes nuts when I hold one, and I don’t even consciously register how it’s moving – it just moves.
What medium do you use? Why?
I work in acrylics and mixed media. I love the freedom of using any mediums that make the piece work. Pencils and paint work so well together!
What is your favorite subject matter?
Flowers. I just never grow tired of them. Some may see them as cliché, but I see them as timeless.
What are you still hoping to learn?
Everything! Each time I approach a new subject matter, it takes lots of trial and error. It’s the new challenges that make art fun.
When I think of art, I ………….
Feel complete.
How do life, business, creativity and art intersect? My business of creating art is my life! Also, coffee.
A defining moment in my life was when………..
My college painting professor told me I NEEDED to make art my major (I was leaning toward Psychology at the time). It was the first time someone other than my parents seemed to really believe in my art.
Best advice I ever got about art or being an artist was……..
To call myself an artist, even before I’m making money or doing it full-time. Just keep putting it out there, and people will begin to associate that with you.
Do you have a ritual or practice any creative activities before you make art? If so, what is it?
Only that I need to get all my busy work out of the way first. I know that’s counterintuitive to what a lot of “experts” say, but if I have random tasks to do, I can’t concentrate on creating. Running errands first, answering emails, or doing laundry before I paint gives me the freedom to be able to just keep going once I begin and not have to stop until I feel ready.
Is there a quote that inspires you or that you try to live your life by?
“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.” – Elsie de Wolfe
Is there anything new you are planning to introduce in the future?
I am working on several new painting and print collections for the year!
Name: Jennifer Allevato
Website: www.jenniferallevato.com
IG: @allevatojm
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferAllevato/
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