Meet Jenny Lee | Nature Inspired Artist

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

Hi Jenny, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
There is a quote from Georgia O’Keeffe that perfectly encapsulates how I view my artwork: “My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world gives to me.” I paint for the trees, the critters, the mountains; my artwork is my way of giving thanks towards Mother Earth. I practice yoga regularly, and something we do before practice begins is sing the invocation to “Om.” This song recognizes and honors the divine self, the greater universe, and brings balance and peace to the nervous system and mind. This humbleness towards the earth, the universe, and a “greater power” brings a recognition that we are small, yet big. It honors the yin and the yang within ourselves, within the bigger picture of the world, and every level in between. Without getting too preachy, the artist Kesha in her song Spaceship wraps it up beautifully: “I’m nothing more than recycled stardust and borrowed energy, born from a rock spinning in the ether. I watch my life backwards and forwards and I feel free. Nothing is real, love is everything, and I know nothing.” This mindset is how I try to navigate my life, and the energy that I put into my art. I hope that those who invest in my art and bring a piece home, find this same tranquility and freedom when they look at my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Looking back at my younger self, I never would have thought to make my artwork a business. It never seemed plausible, so I never considered it an option. I’ve been creating art my whole life, but it wasn’t until I finished my first two art markets in 2023, and my commissions grew that I considered making it into an official business. Since then, my artwork has grown a ton. I’ve expanded the types of artwork I produce, and the different materials I use. After starting my business, I’ve done more art markets, taken in more commission work, and it’s been a great year of expansion and growth for my artwork and myself.

My artwork comes from my deep connection with nature and the natural world around us. An important part of what keeps my creativity alive and flowing is through mindful practices, including solo camping trips with my dog to the wilderness to find connection with nature. Some of my favorite paintings have been created on these trips where I let expectations go, and find joy in allowing my artwork to be my expression and interpretation of the natural world I’m enveloped in. Here I find there are no boundaries, because whatever is created is art. Whatever is created is exactly what it was meant to be. Art gives the power to take away “wrong” and “right,” or “good” and “bad.” Because it is subjective, it just is and there’s freedom (and, granted, some fear) within that. This tranquility and care for nature has always been a part of me since I was a child. Humans create a lot of waste, I see this in the litter at campsites to the hyperconsumerism seen in fast fashion and online shopping industries. I try to use things that would usually get tossed or are no longer wanted. I typically buy glassware and terracotta pots at thrift stores to reuse what someone else donated. This goes in hand with my use of unique materials, like bones, that bring another element added towards the nature-inspired artwork I produce. It allows a way to use as much of the animal as possible, and gives a new meaning towards these bones and other pieces that may have been overlooked originally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Fort Collins is full of hidden gems. Brunch is always a necessity when friends are visiting, we typically will hit Snooze A.M. Eatery, or The Urban Egg in Old Town, before going to some thrift stores nearby. A couple of my favorite thrift stores are Brand Spanking Used and Ragstock. The Cupboard is another favorite store of mine and my friends, they always have such adorable kitchen stuff. A tradition my best friend and I have when she visits is to go to Cosmo’s pizza and then hit the drive-in movie theater, we always have such a great time hanging out there before the movie starts and the movie snacks are great! I typically try and convince friends visiting to try out one of the yoga classes I partake in regularly. I love Old Town Yoga Studio and my acupuncturist and longtime yoga instructor, Holly Pelletier, teaches my favorite class out of a small studio near Old Town. A hike or two is always a must when visiting as well. I love going to State Forest State Park, or the natural areas in town for something close by. There’s always new places to explore in Northern Colorado, which makes every trip unique for my friends and I.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends and family have been a great support throughout my art journey. I’ve been creating art my whole life, mostly for loved ones and for fun. My parents have been huge in helping me get my business on it’s feet and started, and I am so grateful for their support. Their help with setting up art booths and giving helping me navigate the world of having a business has been incredible. The push from friends to try vending at my first local art market in 2023 was the start of a new chapter in my artistic career, and later led to me creating a business. I’m thankful for my friends’ patience while I spam them with my art ideas, and for always helping me find ways to execute and refine my projects. Their feedback and encouragement to branch out and take risks has helped me grow as a person and an artist.

Website: https://www.jennyleeartwork.com/

Instagram: @jennyleeartwork

Facebook: Jenny Lee Artwork

Other: Find me on Etsy! My shop is named artworkbyjennylee

Image Credits
All images are taken by Jenny Lee Artwork.