First of all, I apologize for my tardiness of this post…we were experiencing some technical difficulty this past week and it was then I realized I truly don’t know what I would do without technology. Thank you Lord for bringing me into the world in 1985 and not 1805. Since this post is late, it will push our other interviews back. The next interview will be posted December 14th. But for now, without further adieu, I’d like to introduce Mrs. Jen Bell.

I met Jen, ummm I actually don’t remember exactly when we met, but I do remember loving her the moment I talked to her. Jen is someone who not only is genuinely sweet, but is talented beyond measure. She is incredible at recognizing where detail needs to be seen. Her love shows throughout her paintings. Her work is full of texture and can create a specific mood I find interesting to study. I’m thankful for art, specifically painting, and what it has meant in my life and because Jen has an obvious talent for painting, I knew I wanted to feature her on our website! Thank you Jen for allowing us to read your heart.

1) I know you’re not originally from Fresno. Where are you from?

I was born in Connecticut, but grew up mostly in Oklahoma.

2) I know your husband must be proud of your work. Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to a pastor who is an amazing man and have two daughters, age 4 and 7. Both of my girls are extremely artistic.. much more so than I was as a child.

3) So it‘s obvious that many people love your work, I see it everywhere! How did you get started painting?

I started painting because my hubby needed a painting for his office so I went out in search of the perfect painting only to find that they were mostly reproductions and extremely expensive. I decided to buy a canvas instead and try to create something myself.. (usually not a good idea for me – such as the time I tried to paint our kitchen cabinets and we ended up paying twice as much for someone to come and fix them!) I realized immediately how much I loved it and the outlet it provided. It was encouraging to get positive feedback, and I’ve been painting for people ever since. I have always enjoyed the creative side of things, but it’s so much more gratifying to be able to create something that will bless people.

4) I love movies…many times they inspire me or give me those romantic girly feelings all us women love. What’s your favorite movie of all time?

I have never had one favorite movie.. I love a smattering of movies including the Power of One, Legends of the Fall, Sleepless in Seattle, a River Runs through it.. I tend to like movies that elicit that human desperation and passion we so rarely see

5) How long have you been painting?

2 years or so

6) Are you self-taught or do you have a background in art? What is your education background?

No formal training in art. I got my degree in Social Work because I was at a secular college and wanted to do ministry.

7) What makes you an artist?

Being willing to take the risk and put myself out there as I express myself through art. I was so insecure when Brad came home and saw his paintings for the first time!

8 ) Do you make custom pieces?

So far, that’s all I have done

9) When you start a piece, do you have a vision of what you’d like the outcome to be or does it form together as you go?

I am a very random thinker.. I usually go in with an idea and it turns out completely different from that…it doesn’t frustrate me.. it’s actually pretty funny. I have been known to use ashes from the fireplace, olive oil, and even dryer sheets on my paintings.

10) Besides painting, do you have any other artistic outlets that you practice?

My love for photography is growing, and I write poetry when the need arises

11) I love sweets, and I’m always looking for new ways to fill my stomach with sugar, what’s your favorite sweet treat?

anything involving Carmel

12) If you’re walking down the street and you see a penny…what do you do?

think about the child who will excitedly pick it up at some point in time

13) What are you inspired by?

I love a brilliant sunset, storms, a deep heart conversation with a friend, the sound of the ocean, people who are confident enough and not too self aware to step outside the box, I am inspired by people who are fools for Christ

14) I know you’re a busy mom of two with many extra things packed into your day to day. What’s your typical day look like?

go! go! go! it has taken me a month of so to complete this interview.. so that tells you something (and it’s 4:45 am). I tend to overbook myself and have a deep love for people.. but it’s something I’m aware of and working on .. isn’t everyone talking about balance these days? I don’t want ten years to fly by without my noticing it, so I feel as though I’m always trying to make the moment last.

15) With so much going on, how and when do you find time to paint? How often do you create your art?

I am pretty driven by moods.. so I can’t paint if I”m not in the mood. I have finished 3 paintings in the last week and that is pretty successful for me.

16) Do you sell your paintings?

Yes

17) If someone is interested in purchasing some of your art, how would they contact you?

jen_bell@mac.com

18) Are you passionate about painting?

most definitely

19) What medium do you use? Do you use unique materials when crafting a piece?

I usually use acrylic and a little oil. As I said earlier, I use whatever I find that seems to work.. scrapbook paper, material, caulking, gold leaf, etc.

20) How long does it usually take you to finish a piece?

It depends. Right now I am working down a list of about 10 pieces. If I’m in the mood, I can crank one out in a day (between filling up sippy cups and have tea parties)

21) Are there any specific artists that inspire you?

Not really.. that’s sad to say.

22) How would you classify your painting style?

Random yet meaningful. I usually think of it as abstract or maybe collage, depending on the piece.

23) If I wanted to admire your gift of painting, where would I go to see some of your pieces? Do you have a studio? Do you plan to show your paintings at our local Art Hop?

There are some in the counseling center at the Well Community Church. I also take pictures of them and put them on my little family website. http://web.me.com/jen_bell/Site/Welcome.html. Right now I’m just trying to keep up with my current orders, but someday when my kids are older, I would like to do some exhibits. We’ll see.

 **This little one with the feather eyes is Jen’s daughter…it’s really hard not to love this girl.**