Local artist profile: Jenny Carr

THIS week we chat with mixed-media artist Jenny Carr, who says being creative is a wonderful way to live, and encourages aspiring artists to “take that 20 seconds of courage and go create an incredibly aspiring life.”

What initially motivated you to become a mixed-media artist?

I’ve always loved creating and from a very young age loved to make pretty things.

Two years ago an online course grabbed my attention and I knew it was meant to be.

In my very first course I was drawn to a certain style.

This was to be the moment that would help me to define the direction my art would evolve.

How would you describe your style?

If you love flowers in vases, then you will be captivated by what you see.

Each piece of my art tells a story through colour and texture.

I’ve always had a strong connection to flowers.

Creating all of my own collage papers using a gel plate allows me to create unique and individual pieces of art.

Which other artists inspire you?

I’ve been blessed to have met so many incredible artists that have crossed my path on this journey through social media.

I connected with other incredible artists from all over the world, who are now my friends and greatest supporters.

I’d like to give a shout out to Frankie O’Toole, a very talented artist who lives in Bendigo.

Frankie’s creativity inspired me to explore and keep growing.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

The last twelve months have been exciting for me in showcasing my art.

The following list was just the beginning to bring joy to the community through my art – two solo exhibitions in Bendigo, (I entered) five local art shows and I’m selling art locally and internationally.

I’m beyond excited to have these opportunities to showcase my artwork.

How can people check out your work online?

People wanting to view my artwork on social media can find me on instagram – jennycarrart, where you will see my journey thus far for 2024.

My 100-day challenge of one piece of art per day is documented in my instagram account.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

I have several opportunities to showcase my art in the month of October and beyond.

You may like to visit any one of these venues to see if my art speaks to you.

Coming in October – Bendigo Open Studios 2024, plus the Cut + Paste Festival in Dudley House.

I‘ll also be featuring my art in Customs House Galley in Echuca.

(For the future), I’m always looking for inspiring patterns or textures to use in my art.

Not long ago I came across a cute, little blue and white-checked teapot which stole my heart.

I had no idea what I would do with this inspiring piece, but I do now. I am currently working on my teapot collection, which will of course have flowers spilling from the teapots created by using my collage papers.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Being creative is a wonderful life. I have a very wise husband who says, “You have nothing to lose but everything to gain”. I’d say, “Grab it with both hands and go for it.”

Your life will be enriched in so many ways from following your dreams. Take that 20 seconds of courage and go create an incredibly aspiring life. The opportunities that come are life changing.