November Already?

Welcome to November! How is this year already winding down? I know that we have some of the busiest times on the calendar coming up, but I feel like if I blink, I’ll miss it. Even in the midst of all that the world is throwing at us, I’m so amazed that we get to enjoy the Advent and Holiday Season. Seeing the Christmas traditions, through our Grandson’s eyes are such a blessing! Have you got your tree up?

I have been creating a new series, the past couple of months - My Cross Blox Series! My husband, Steve, cuts the wood down for me and I sand, prime each 6” premium pine wood block. I then use modeling paste to sculpt a truly unique cross onto the wood. After drying, I then go back with a paint wash, and start the layers that will make each piece of wood it’s own artwork. It’s time consuming, but the process is just the peace I need. I have so enjoyed this! I love that so many have already made it out into the world! Can you tell that I’m excited about it? ;) And I even made a floral one-Soooo pretty! I’ll be creating more this year, so please keep an eye out to add one of these truly special pieces to your collection.

The process of creating is truly therapeutic for me, from start to finish. I’m not one to sketch too much out to start a new piece. I tend to see it bouncing around in my mind and just ask God to help me recreate it in paint. So much of my inspiration lately has been the beautiful colors surrounding us, up here in the Great Smokies. But, it’s been with the stark reminder of the fragility of our human lives, as well. Hurricane Helene has changed not just the topography of our region forever, but families and complete towns and cities. The loss of life has been truly tragic. Our neighbors are all trying to find their “new normal”. While we are fine on our hill, our local downtown flooded and surrounding areas have been greatly affected. It’s been wonderful to see the outpouring of help and care from stranger to stranger and the relationships that are being created. Looking for God’s gracious plan in the midst of the suffering has always resulted in a hard look at my faith. Relying on Christ’s provision. The realization that everything in creation is in a state of flux, and that time never stops, is a bit mind boggling to me. I’m forever thankful for a Savior that doesn’t change.

Upcoming Art:

Christmas Artwork Collection 2024 - 4 original scenes from years past- all FREE Shipping -$50 These are offered for purchase only thru December.

Christmas Card Collection - 8 cards, 2 of each scene - $30 Very Limited Quantity -FREE Local Delivery, please add $5 shipping. Please contact me for pre orders, as these aren’t available until 11/8 in the online shop. Click below to visit!

I’m continuing to navigate new hiccups to my health, and changing what I can. Just like millions of others out there. The cliche, “Be kind, you never know the battle someone is fighting”, is a cliche for a reason. It is soooo true! And yes, I know it could be worse. And I’m incredibly grateful that it isn’t. In this season of Thanksgiving, having a joyful heart is the BEST medicine for me. I’ve been questioning how best to share joy and encouragement, with the freedom that Christ gives, all the while keeping a balance in my life. I’m still figuring that out. But, I’m incredibly grateful that you are here for the ride. I don’t know what the future holds for my lil blog, as I strive to bring the glory to God through my words and art. But, I shall try. As always, if you want to speak more about any of my continuing health journey, please let me know and I’ll be happy to share or write it up as the next blog post.

I’ll wrap it up with these few words….in the midst of this messy, critical yet beautiful world, creativity can be truly, a Godsend. Art can pull you out of the everyday, just enough to fill you up, so you can go back in and persevere. And by the way, life isn’t a competition-God has given you a way, trust Him.

Yours Truly,

Jenny

Moving the Goal Post

Good Morning, Everyone! I want to thank you for being here and hope that you are having a truly wonderful Summer season, creating memories and giving yourself grace to enjoy some down time. It’s been busy on Blueberry Hill, and I’m still trying to have studio time each day, but that’s not always in the cards for me, hence the grace. I’m sure a lot of you can relate to that. :)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Thanks to the latest Windows Update, my Website will have to be reconstructed with a new template. So, my shop will be closed and site will be sporadic until 9/6. I’ll have my new site up and my shop will be good to go. I will be having my Annual Shop Sale, on the weekend of 9/13-9/15, You don’t want to miss it!

Now to get to the story of my “Why?”, keep reading. Let me know what you think and I would love to know if anything resonates with you.

Paint & Paper Collection "Worth Fighting For"

I put reminder for Carnivore Artist, in the subject line as this letter to you, I’ve been struggling with exactly how to go about sharing my story and be helpful to you, with the disclaimer that this is NOT medical advice, or an attempt of diagnosis for anyone. I have been battling, and yes, I said battling, health issues since I was 24, when I had my first heart stopping event. That may sound dramatic, but it was. It wasn’t anything that just started with little symptoms and eased into an incurable heart arrythmia, it was BAM- we’re gonna go so fast that we break and just stop. A nasty introduction to a forever altered relationship that I had with my body and my sense of self.

What followed was a lot of “you’re too young to be sick”, or “you don’t look sick” and my favorite, medical gaslighting. I had to learn to be my own advocate, researcher. All the while, desperately looking for someone else who shared my “constellation of symptoms”. The journey has been long and definitely dotted with minefields, but also with beautifully peaceful moments of clarity and a strengthening of my faith in Christ.

Now, before you end this conversation and say you don’t need this, please hear me out.

I have lived with some form of heart condition for 25 years. I have gone through so many misdiagnoses and realized that doctors are truly “practicing medicine” and the modern medical system, as a whole, is not set up to encourage a life free of prescriptions and ongoing visits. We have spent more money than I can stomach, on all forms of surgeries, meds, therapies and aids. I have done everything required and then some. I have no regrets with the way that I decided to pursue each avenue of care. I simply made the best decision with the information I had at the time.

With that being said, I cannot tell you how I wish someone would’ve told me that when the surgeries fail, the doctors are still confused, and the blood work comes back normal- that it isn’t a reflection on your mental health, your faith or your effort. It is the simple reality of being a human. That sometimes, you simply cannot be “healed”.

This actually hurts a little to write this, as my Type A Warrior wants to prove this statement wrong. But, I’ve lived it and know that the never-ending pursuit of complete healing can be just as dangerous as the disease. And frankly, I don’t think this has been shared enough. It’s not as popular as “I ate this way and healed” or “The new medicine is here from Europe, and it’s life changing”.

So, then what do you do?

You can live with a chronic illness, and still live your life to it’s fullest. This a choice. For me, I had to acknowledge my body’s capabilities at that time and flow with those limitations. The positive side says, “you have no limitations” and “mind over matter”, etc. The cold hard truth is that everyone has limitations. Whether it be through limiting beliefs, socioeconomic circumstances, physical attributes, etc. We are all different. We are supposed to be unique and every individual’s physicality and day to day, life experiences reveal this.

There are too many factors to list, that play into the dynamic of how one faces adversity, and yes, chronic illness is an adversity. But, for me the layers that kept wearing down as the days got longer, the options became fewer and my new “normal” were, unbeknownst to me, leading me to a place of acceptance. A mindset of surrender to the life that God had chosen me for, and to be a good steward of that life, no matter what it looked like to others.

But, gosh. That was a loooonnnnng road………and I’m still walking it.

Yours Truly, Jenny

Next Month: How does Art come in to play?

Taking Stock in Color

Summer heat is truly here and the paint has been flowing! Life has happened and I wasn’t able to make the drop off for The Mayor’s Exhibition this past week, but I was able to be there for my Grandson, and for that I’m grateful. I have been truly inspired by all the wildflowers blooming on Blueberry Hill and all around my mountains. Buttons of blue, dots of yellow and intricate flowers, all the colors of the rainbow!

I was able to paint 3 florals this week, and even remember to record a couple of process videos for your viewing pleasure. I’m sure there will be more floral paintings coming, they are hard to resist! It was soooooo good to be able to paint and just be. The world can be quite loud if you let it. I’ll be opening up the shop for print orders today and then closing print orders on July 1st, so don’t miss it if you’ve been waiting. These latest creations will be in my shop by Monday, but if you’d like to make them your own, you get first dibs. :)

I’m fully in the Art Therapy Coach course, and I’m definitely having some “Ah Ha!” moments. Did you know that Art Therapy Coaching helps in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress by 73 %, especially in children? And not to mention Chronic Pain management? I know how much it’s helped me to identify, process and accept obstacles in my life. It was a truly unexpected result when I first picked up my palette knife, but I’m so thankful for where art has taken me and for God to open the doors. I’m still trying to find a way to share, combine and be helpful within my website and social media accounts. I’ve been thinking about the idea of an Art Therapy Coaching Workshop to share tools and ideas that have been a steppingstone for me to thriving with a chronic illness. Any thoughts?

What do you want to see more of? Behind the scenes or finished artwork? What do you have questions about? Please feel free to drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you!

Speaking of what you want to see? I’m considering a change of date for my “Christmas in July” annual sale, and move it to September. Since I’m still adjusting my time and energy to studio and GaGa time, (Yes, that’s what my Grandbaby calls me despite repeated attempts of me saying “Gran”, and it’s perfect!), I don’t have a lot of inventory, but hope to continue with the creating and get back to a daily art practice.

Are you interested? This is my annual sale where you can pick up my original artwork for as low as 50% off. It’s crazy, I know! But, it’s a wonderful opportunity and not a far stretch from the Holidays. Comment and let me know if this would be something that interests you.

I hope that you have an amazing weekend, (don’t forget to stop by the shop if you want to score a print :) and THANK YOU for being here, in this little corner of the world. Truly. I so appreciate your kind words, your encouragement and any support you offer. My hope is, as always, that my art brings you joy and peace of God- in this sometimes, crazy world.

Blessings, Jenny

View fullsize

“Larkspur” Original - 6x6x2 Gallery Stretched Canvas with finished edges. $50

Jenny Dennis Blueberry Hill Studio 2018-2024 Copyright

“Summer Dayz” Original - 6x6x2 Gallery Stretched Canvas with finished edges. $50

Jenny Dennis Blueberry Hill Studio 2018-2024 Copyright

“Wildflower Season” 10x20 Gallery Stretched Canvas with finished edges, wired and ready to hang. $115

Jenny Dennis Blueberry Hill Studio 2018-2024 Copyright

Detail of “Wildflower Season”

Stepping Out and Stepping Up.

Good Morning,

Welcome to the first ever “The Carnivore Artist” blog post!

First, thank you for being here :) I cannot stress how wonderful the response has been from everyone. So much support from those within my art community, chronic illness spoonies and my amazing friends and family.

Second, I’m going to do my very best on how to navigate this new dynamic, but I’m sure that I will still make mistakes. So, please feel free to share and let me know what you like, what does or doesn’t resonate with you and as always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

I’m so excited to share that I am currently studying to receive my Non Clinical Therapeutic Art Coaching Certificate! I truly believe that the knowledge I learn can help not just myself, but others who have faced hardship, specifically chronic illness. I hope to finish up by the end of summer, and I will be sharing with you.

I’m looking forward to submitting artworks to be juried at a few exhibitions and galleries next month, as the creative juices are flowing :) I’ve been doing several large canvases for us, personally, as we finish up our cabin. Here’s one I did for the practically finished Master Bath.

It’s soothing colors are inspired by the cool, yet earthy tones in our tile, pebbled floor and vaulted wood ceiling. The tree is the “Angel Tree”, and how it’s stood on it’s own through history. If you ever go to Charleston, go to St. John’s Island and see this incredible tree! It’s about 65 ft. tall and 26 ft. around the trunk. I couldn’t do it justice but, needless to say, it’s been around for awhile! I did a 3 paneled Triptych as well, that I named “Midnight Slumber”. I can’t wait to get all 3 panels hung! These big pieces were so much fun, and I’m so glad that I took the time to just do it. But, I’m already priming the canvas for the next few paintings that are dancing around in my head.

To shift gears…I’m still having a “did that really happen?” moment, after being invited to share my artwork at “Meatstock 2024”, in April. Wired 4 Healing’s, Scott Everson and I connected on instagram, as I followed their wellness company account and he loved my art- thanks, Scott! I met all kinds of wonderful people who were just so open to speaking about how they overcame everything from mental illness, to MS. Scott asked if I would say a few words to share about my art. If you know me, you know that I’m good one on one, but group settings- not so much. So, with a prayer in my heart and an honest try, my brief 4-5 minute talk, ended up being almost 2 hours after, speaking, sharing and listening to the amazing stories from the others. My mind and spirit were both humming for days as I tried to take in all the life stories. Everyone of them-the unique individuals and yet, their common human needs. And faith. Faith was ever-present. I was reminded of the power of the human spirit, and the inexplicable ability to literally change our mindset, change our lives. I haven’t been around many people in the past who collectively, were ok with thinking outside the box and being the different ones. It was truly wonderful. I can’t wait to actually go as an attendee, next September.

I also was able to indulge in some delicious meat recipes and share how my Adhesion Related Disorder and subsequent abdominal surgeries, resulted in my eating intuitively. I have been eating this way for years now, and the practice became so much more than just finding something I could eat. The power of listening to your body and realizing that you and your body aren’t separate, but one was a major eureka moment. That may sound simple, but when you go day to day, moment to moment of trying to be as well as you can, it’s hard to embrace grace for yourself. I’m always happy to share where I started and how intuitive eating has been one of the most effective tools in managing my symptoms, just ask.

So, as I’m trying to sum up what you can expect from these once a month life letters that will be coming your way- if you need some encouragement for whatever situation life has handed you at the moment, or if you want to learn how to let Art help you heal and quiet the noise, I hope to offer you some ideas, and to be that friend. The one that thinks outside the box and doesn’t care what everyone else thinks, and JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

I’ll still be sharing shop updates and new paint on the easel, with bi monthly “hello’s”. And of course, my socials will have updates as well. Again, thanks for being here and for supporting my artwork. It means so much to me.

Yours Truly,

Jenny