Jen Scully
I learned early on that art could be a way to say something when words weren't enough. In school, writing and reading weren't my strengths, and as an introvert, verbal communication wasn't high on my list either. We all now know now that there are so many languages and forms of communication and at the time I was more interested in developing my artistic language and visual expression.
Growing up, art was quite literally my friend. With a slightly obsessive personality and love for interior design thanks to my mom, I can remember drawing floor plan upon floor plan on my graph paper. Life was messy at times and this was my way to have some control and organization. As I grew older, I poured my feelings and experiences into art, and found this method to be a failsafe way to navigate life's obstacles, tragedies and questions.
In college, I was amazed to learn that what art meant to me wasn't unique. That it was actually an evidence-based practice that was being used to enhance the lives of so many. I had to know more, and expanded my knowledge and practice through my Master's degree in Art Therapy. While at grad school, I got to experiment with every medium imaginable, and my style began to loosen up. Upon graduating, I became a practicing Art Therapist and worked in a number of nonprofits for nearly 20 years. All the while, still creating art myself.
Over the years, painting in particular became my life blood - the thing that made everything ok. Not just ok - full of joy and energy. I also realized that it wasn't just the act of painting, but the actual physical paintings that could evoke the same joy and energy in me just by looking at them hanging on my walls. For me, painting had never been about the finished product - it was always about the process. This realization is when I saw that my paintings could deliver energy and a state of mind to others.
Drawn to organized chaos, you'll see bursts of playfulness in my work, contained by orderly lines and shapes - including quite literally the canvas. Rarely picking up a paint brush, my primary method of painting is scraping it on the canvas with a palette knife.
As highly visual individual deeply impacted by my surroundings, I feel most at peace and alive seated at the edge of the water with rocks, sand and surf in my eyeline. Coastal elements are always at play in my work - the texture, colors, movement and layers.
I have so much gratitude for those who appreciate my process and work and feel so incredibly lucky that I get to walk out my back door and into my studio to pursue this passion. I want my art to transport you - physically and mentally, to a place that brings you happiness.
Born and raised a a New Englander, Jen recently moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Her distinctive style can be described as bold, raw, laid back, and all about the coast.
Contact Jen: jenscullyart@gmail.com
