discovering art

that truly resonates with you is a joy. Native Californian, Jenna Gibson is a talented artist and teacher at The ArtCenter College of Design. I have known Jenna for fourteen years and am always a little in awe of how she approaches everything with a sense of ease, humor, curiosity and openness. She is a talented artist and teacher at Art Center College.

Whether they are her pen and ink line drawings, charcoal portraits or oil paintings, her work takes the viewer well beyond the portrait of the subject into an atmospheric, abstract other-world. I asked her a couple of questions about life from an artist’s perspective.

What keeps you inspired or motivated to keep creating your art?

Motivation or inspiration for me comes from the magic that being in nature provides. It’s free, and all around us., even in the smallest form. It calms me and that’s when I do my best work.

How did you decide to become an artist or make that your primary activity. Was it a difficult decision?

I decided as a young child, probably because it felt so natura , and I wanted to do something that would make me feel successful, but I wanted professional training that only an art school could give me. Just like any college education, I knew if I worked hard, I would leave school with enough knowledge and skills to achieve my artistic goals. I started working as a professional artist and teacher before I even graduated which made it much easier to break Into it and be where I am today.

What’s your favorite thing about your life as an artist and teacher?

My favorite thing is definitely the constant change and evolution of creating for a living. I’m always adding and improving my teaching skills, and learning everyday from my students which is an absolute treat - everyday inspiration.

Do you have a favorite saying or idea that you live by?

I live by the Golden Rule. Pure and Simple.