We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jen Gathings. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jen, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Of these three, I’d say integrity is the most important to me. Dictionary.com defines it as: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Seems a little serious for an article about an artist, right? My perspective comes from various experiences in my personal and work life. I happen to have high standards and very few people live up to them. I appreciate and notice when someone tries and I make an effort to be understanding. I know I tend to be a bit serious and kudos to those who figure me out and make me smile. But, seriously. Integrity is a must for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jen, and I’m an oil painter living in Howard County. I usually paint landscapes – often scenes from local, state, or national parks. I like Plein air painting when I can find a good weekend, which is painting outside. It usually results in looser brush strokes, creating a more impressionistic style. I work on art commissions as well – approximately 2-3 per year.
For the last few years, I’ve been teaching group art sessions for Howard County Recreation & Parks. I teach Introduction to Oil Painting three times a year. I also teach a therapeutic art class for disabled adults with acrylic paint about every other month. I haven’t been doing as many art shows or exhibits, but I occassionally participate with the Montgomery Art Association. You can also find me at the Howard County Holiday Mart!
Selections of my art are digitally reproduced and I use the image files for prints, notecards, and other merchandise like tote bags or cell phone cases. Original artworks, fine art prints, open prints, and merchandise are available for purchase on my website.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad instilled a strong work ethic in me. I observed how dedicated he was to providing for our family, and I try my best to continue that work ethic in my archives career.
I’m creative and artistic like my mom, and she had an artistic sense and creative process that I soaked up in my early life. From her artwork framed and displayed in our home, to music, and crafts. When she framed some of my art from high school to hang in our home, it meant a lot.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Challenges, more so than wounds I’d say… We all have challenges in life, and I’ve always been one to put myself aside and consider how it is to be in someone else’s shoes. Many people encounter the same hard things at different points in their life. For me, it’s having a mentally disabled brother – that had a huge impact on my early life and how I was raised. I had a rough patch at work where I almost quit my job, except at that moment I learned I had a voice, and in using it I successfully changed my supervisor. I went through divorce, and experienced excruciating heartbreak – this one I would say, is definitely a wound. Through these challenges, I used my observation skills, my resources, and support groups to navigate and understand. I think healing is a process that comes through giving situations time and space. I rely on prayer for the hardest moments, and hold to my faith and beliefs everyday. I’ve seen many examples of healing in this way. Each challenge made me stronger as a person as well as strengthened my faith.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
When I started out applying for jobs, I thought you could only get a job with a cover letter and resume, and my individual merit in an interview. I didn’t want help from anyone to get a job. Later, I realized that isn’t always the case, and lots of people get jobs by knowing someone, or word of mouth. I do stand behind equity and equality in hiring practices, but in addition I now use any connection I can – being in the right place at the right time works for me now.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel peaceful with my kids and family around, when I’m gardening, and when I’m painting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jengathingsart.com/shop-art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.gathings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jengathingsart
Image Credits
Jen Gathings, Sam Eidson
