Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Talbot.
Jennifer started painting in November of 2015 when her right arm was paralyzed from a tetanus vaccine. She was gifted some watercolor paints and paper previously by a Catholic Nun who said, “Here please take this, I know you’ll make some beautiful paintings.” Jennifer had never painted with watercolor before and her only art classes were 2 classes early in college in 1988. Jennifer noticed the pain lessened when she was concentrating on a painting. She posted her first painting to Facebook and people loved it. She kept painting. She sold her first piece that first week.
The paralysis then spread to her left arm. When this happened, she began painting with her non-dominant hand. She has sold several of these paintings.
Later, doing her own research, she discovered that many studies show that specifically painting helps with chronic pain. Jennifer continued painting to avoid taking pain medication, as a tool for both occupational and physical therapy and for her own joy and create outlet.
At the same time, she connected with many Artists online. She created a Facebook Group for Artists. That group is now 2 years old and consists of a very tight knit group of online Artist friends who support one another in various ways in each of their Art careers.
Jennifer has also helped other Artists build their own websites, learn how to market themselves and their and make sales.
She has a following of very loyal collectors, buyers and fans from all across the US and in Ireland, Australia and Finland. She has work hanging in both private and corporate collections.
Jennifer has developed her own whimsical fun style that her fans, followers, buyers and collectors say her art makes them happy.
If someone had told Jennifer both of her arms would be paralyzed and she’d become a watercolor artist at the same time, all while building an amazing support group of Artists online and being able to give back to them…she wouldn’t have believed it.
But life is interesting sometimes and as Jennifer says…this has all been a very sweet surprise!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create whimsical watercolors by the sea that make people happy and want to be free. I paint with both my left and right hand due to my injury and paralysis. I want people to know that despite any setback, you really can do anything you set your mind to. I have no formal art training. I began painting after my arms were paralyzed. I am self-taught. With the right mindset, you can accomplish anything you set out to learn. Find something you enjoy doing. Something that is fun, interesting and a little challenging for you. Pursue it with all your heart and soul. When you find that thing you really enjoy doing, your joy will shine through and others will be drawn to you. They will see and sense the happiness in your work. Don’t ever give up. Ever. Find your joy. Be yourself. And embrace your own artistic style, whatever that may be. We are only here a short time. Share your beautiful works with the world! Your work deserves to be seen!
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I believe one must be bold being an Artist. Today we have technology and the magic of Facebook and Instagram. Use those as your tools to get yourself out there. I often paint Live on both my accounts. My fans, followers, buyers and collectors love to watch me paint Live.
Live painting can help you connect with your audience. Connection is key. Relationships must be made in order to be successful at selling your work. It all really comes down to relationships you make with those who love your work.
Start there and you may not have financial concerns as an Artist.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Jennifer’s work is featured in three places: Artist Facebook page www.facebook.com/islandtimestudios. Instagram at www.instagram.com/island_time_studios. Website www.jennifer-talbot.pixels.com. People can support her work by liking and following her pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennifer-talbot.pixels.com
- Phone: 7816547087
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/island_time_studios
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandtimestudios
Image Credit:
All images by Jennifer Talbot
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