Meet Jennifer Lail | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Lail and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When making a decision I ask myself a few questions. One of those questions is will this help me grow? If it feels out of my comfort zone and I have a pit in my stomach than I say yes. That is not to say I don’t listen to my gut, instead I make sure I decipher my nerves from my ego. Your ego will keep you safe and unfortunately safety is not where growth, development and evolution happen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a painter and I work in two mediums: watercolors and oil paints. I primary paint abstract minimalism in both mediums. I feel extremely grateful to be my own boss. I am honored to have the privilage of working with other powerful women in my field. I have worked really hard personally and professionally. It takes the right mindset. I think you have to be personally ready to be professionally successful. There have been many challenges, good days and bad days. Realizing that everything I have ever wanted is up to me and the power to make it all happen lies within me has been my fire for growth and change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jacksonville is a large, diverse and unique city. I would take them to all the the different pockets that make Jacksonville so cool. In Springfield there is an amazing spot called 1748 Bakehouse with a delicious menu and great coffee. Downtown Jacksonville has MOCA and MOSH but my favorite part of downtown is it many outdoor murals that have been painted by international mural artist from around the globe. Riverside has beautiful parks but it’s also the home to the Cummer Museum and some of the most stunning historical architecture. We would make a stop at CoRK Art District to say hello to a few of the 70 artists and their studio spaces. There is the BEST vegan bake shop that usually has a line out the door called Sweet Theory along with some other one of a kind bites like Orsay and Black Sheep. In avondale there is a cute boutique called Tenley Dietrich that is a must stop shop. We have an outstanding brew and bar scene that I am not all that plugged into. San Marco has a roundabout with some nice spots like Industry West, Taverna, and Bold Bean. I am going to take a moment to highlight Bold Bean because they are a single bean roaster and roast the beans right here in Jacksonville. They have several locations but the beach happens to be my favorite spot. Jacksonville Beach would be a must for some beach and ocean time. There are even more incredible restaurants in Ponte Vedra like Valley Smoke and Palm Valley Fish Camp that we would have to check out for dinner. Atlantic Beach is filled with gems and has one of my favorite lunch spots called Southern Roots. There is also a bean to bar chocolate shop right next door called Makenu. There are beautiful nature stops and walks to be enjoyed. I would absolutely not let my friend leave until they have experienced riding on the ferry to Big and Little Talbot Island. We would rent some paddle boards and enjoy a peaceful day in nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have received an amazing amount of encouragement and mentorship from Jim Draper, Paul Ladnier, Dustin Harewood, and Arron Garvey. Groups and orginizations such as Art Republic, Art With a Heart in Healthcare and galleries such as Hillary Whitaker Gallery and Sublime Original have continued to be a great support. My number one supportor is my mom. She has always encouraged me to chase my wildest dreams and has been there for the highs and lows.

Website: https://jenniferlail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlail/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.m.poundslail

Image Credits
Toni Smailagic