Creative Interview : Jennifer Davis

Having taken the big scary step of of working and supporting herself through her work, American artist Jennifer Davis hasn't looked back.  I'm really pleased she was able to take some time out of her busy schedule to be part of my 'creative interview' series.  A great big thanks to you Jennifer!

Disguise

What’s your area like for supporting creative people like yourself?

Although my city, Minneapolis, MN, USA is a fairly large city the art community feels pretty tight-knit and supportive. That said there are a zillion arty things to do on any given day. Cost of living is (relatively) low and there is a lot of grant funding available here. I have been supporting myself by showing and selling my work since Oct 2003. Although I am not a fan of our frigid, six-month winters, there is a strong incentive for me to stay. =0)

Rooster

Describe yourself in five words and how would your friends describe you (in five)!

Creative, type-A, excitable, hermit, hungry.
I have no idea how my friends would describe me!

Unhinged

What do you love most about what you do and is there a down side?

The best part is that I can wake up in the morning and decide what I want to do instead of feeling obligated to do what I HAVE to do. My time is my own. The downsides are all financial. Never knowing when/where the next “paycheck” will come from…

Dreamland

What would be your absolute ideal working day?

My ideal working day would be to wake up early have a nice breakfast/coffee, do a little work on my computer and then spend the morning painting. I’d take a long lunch break that includes a walk around the lake near my house- then some more painting. I like to end my workday by starting something new so that when I set out to work the next day I can jump right in more easily. Simple, but fun.

Sit Still

Who influences you creatively?

Other artists, people who follow their passions, my friends, animals, colors, art…

What just drives you crazy?

I don’t even know where to begin.

Ghost and Alien

What’s your PLAN B?

I don’t have one. What is that old saying about “if you have something to fall back on, you will”? ;0)

Where’s your favourite place to work?

Right here, in my studio- a small spare room in my house, in front of a window that looks out on my backyard and a GIANT cottonwood tree.

Are you a coffee or tea girl?

Coffee.

Bound

How has work and this year been for you?

I have had a lot of fun with painting and various projects/exhibitions this year and have not suffered (any worse than usual, anyway) financially- so I cannot complain. I feel grateful and lucky that I have had a great year.

Shapeshifter

Would you like to learn anything new in the future and what would it be?

I’d like to learn to cook better. I love cooking but my food is not so good.

Tug o War

Any creative developments for 2012?

Only time will tell! I am looking forward to a show at GrayDuck Gallery in Austin, TX this spring. I have never been to TX so I look forward to traveling there for the reception.

Jennifer's links :-

* Website

* Flickr 

* Etsy
 
* Facebook 

* Tumblr 

* Twitter