Meet Jennifer Glass | Artist

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

Hi Jennifer, what do you attribute your success to?
I think success is about finding the beauty in what’s right in front of me. If you put your soul in your work, it will show up in unexpected ways. I like to find that rare thing that feels like home and trust the inner aesthetics of it. Follow it. The trick seems to be, when creativity strikes; which is often during the most untimely moments of our lives, rather than forcing it into being what you want it to be, trust the instincts of your subconscious, follow it’s path…watch where it takes you just as you would allow water in a stream.

I look around my studio at my life’s work and I can see this thirty year story. All these images were created at very different stages of my life yet they’re all following this same thread and in the same color palette, the same ethos, they all tell this familiar story and all somehow work together. I seek beauty anywhere I live. These images have become the visual poetry of my subconscious. Of my home. Of me.

I believe you feel differently about the world when you make things. You see all the good in people. You see all the beauty that surrounds you.

You have to allow yourself to see it and feel it and capture it without the fear of failure. Without the desire to solely make a buck. Because that’s when it gets messed up. That’s when people go sideways. That’s the poverty of ambition. It strips the purity out. It strips the soul out. Keep it real. Keep it pure. Your work will tell the truth. So be truthful and pure with yourself and it will come.



Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Almost all of my art is drawn from nature incorporating the natural elements. My art is a direct reflection of my life experiences, my background, and my surroundings. Whether consciously or subconsciously it’s all drawn from that. I look around my studio and see works I created 30 years ago next to works I created a week ago and they share the same natural color palette and ethos. It often surprises me really because I know I didn’t plan it. But I now see an entire 30 year story of where I grew up and it’s quite a beautiful story of a magical place. I feel like I’ve subconsciously created the visual poetry of my home over the past 30 years. Goodness nothing worth having is easy but I’ve learned when working on a new body of work, I allow myself to trust the process and not force anything. If something isn’t working as I expected, I just go with it and the work seems to guide me. Since I work with natural elements this seems to work in my favor quite often.

The obstacle is the path has been my motto for many years. I overcome many challenges by embracing my mistakes and using them as teaching moments. My biggest lesson was I used to allow my fear to hold me back from things. So, I started telling myself “what would you do if you weren’t afraid”. I’ve learned, when I’m uncomfortable, is when I think I’ve reached my limit. That’s when I used to stop. Now, when I’m uncomfortable is when I know I have to push myself harder. I have to push through. I have to be strong, I go for it, and I touch that limit, and I think ok now ‘that’s my limit’, Then something kicks in and I have the will to push myself forward. There are no limits. Everywhere I look I find beauty in this world, and some days I feel like I’m overwhelmed with beautiful ideas. There’s no limits to finding ways to capturing all of this beauty. It’s a good thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take them on an all day kayaking journey in the crystal clear water to view the manatees and other natural wildlife. The next day we’d venture oceanside and paddle board on the glassy early morning ocean waters. Take in a nice local ocean front lunch in Cocoa Village. Stroll the local art fair and support local talent. We’d end the day viewing a rocket launch, reflecting over the water; while enjoying a breezy waterfront dinner. All while enjoying the music of a great local band. I love where we live.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father was a great influence on my love of photography early on. He would bring cameras on trips we and point out beautiful scenery.

Website: www.Jenniferglassartist.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/jenniferglassartist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenglassstudio?mibextid=LQQJ4d