Meet Jenny Schneider of Jenny Schneider Art & Illustrations in Wellesley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Schneider.

Jenny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an artist, illustrator and children’s book author living and working in my home studio outside of Boston. I grew up in Germany, lived for 4 years in Mexico City and then moved to the Boston Area to attend Graduate School.

Originally, I am trained as an Art Therapist. I started painting full time when my first child was born. It was a difficult time back then as I was not only navigating the days and nights as a new mama but also cared for my husband who was battling leukemia. Making art truly became my sanctuary where I could disconnect from all the craziness and rejuvenate. I guess you could say it was my therapy. No worries though, the story has a good ending. My husband is alive and well, my boys are growing into fun teenagers and I am still painting.

When things started to settle a little, I went back to Art School to study Illustration at the SMFA Boston and took every art class I could fit into my schedule. Heidi Whithman’s and Glenna Lang’s classes were really informative in my early painting years.

I started illustrating and painting for friends and showed my work around town in cafes, boutiques and art fairs. My inspiration came from my kids, nature and heartfelt encounters.

In 2004, I met the Master sculptor Joseph Wheelwright who not only became a friend but also inspired me to illustrate and self-publish a children’s book about the moon. It was based on his own childhood and is called “The Moonvies”. Sadly, Joe passed away 2 years ago, but you can still see his sculptures around town. The book was part of an exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum called: Lunar Attraction, where Joe’s work was shown.

I am currently working on a second children’s book, but that’s still in the early stages and therefore still a secret.

My illustrations are mainly done in watercolors, but I also like to work in a more abstract way using collage, handmade papers and acrylic paint. That process is a lot messier and a bit more unpredictable. It allows me to play and explore color, to dive into possibilities and to really enjoy the process.

In addition, to being an artist I am also a certified yoga teacher. I love teaching slow and meditative classes that offer a sanctuary to the craziness of our times. The yoga practice certainly keeps my art inspired and vice versa.

Themes of yoga and meditation always seem to make their way into my paintings. In my recent work, I explored a different interpretation of the Indian Chakra System. I used the original colors of each chakra (which represent energy centers in the body) and combined them with flower drawings inviting the viewer to pause, inquire and get inspired. You can read more about the idea behind the project on my website.

I feel very grateful to be able to work as a fulltime artist. People often say that my art makes them smile and I hope it does the same for you.

Has it been a smooth road?
I guess the biggest struggle is finding the time to create if possible every day. Not everything you create is noteworthy or needs to be seen by others, but to spend time creating keeps you in the flow, keeps you inspired. Of course, as a mama (or simply as a human being) this is not always possible. If I can’t make it into my studio I try to be creative in other ways. Being more fluid in my different roles has been a huge learning process and has helped me stay creative.

Navigating the Self-Publishing world has also been a steep learning curve and I keep learning everyday on how to become more visible.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jenny Schneider Art & Illustrations story. Tell us more about the business.
I sell original art, illustrations, prints and greeting cards. You can find them on my website, different yoga studios and boutiques, bookstores and thanks to a lovely friend even in Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

I also sell my book and enjoy visiting schools or other events to read from my book. One of the highlights was a story hour at the Peabody Essex Museum, where I collaborated with a dear friend. It was a combination of yoga for families and my book reading. I have also been invited as a guest author to my kid’s elementary school reading the book and speaking about being an author and illustrator.

One of my recent illustrations (Plant Bath/ Forest Bath) is going to be included in the Flow Magazine calendar for 2019, which is another lovely accomplishment. So look out for that when it hits the bookshelves in September.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Given the overload of technology I think that the arts will have to play a crucial role in keeping humanity vibrant and sane.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenny-schneider.com
• Email: jenny.h.schneider@gmail.com
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Moonvies-story-inspired-Joseph-Wheelwright/dp/0692782311

Image Credit:
Jenny Schneider and Frank Schneider

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