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