Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Duffin.
Jen, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I would say that I’ve only very recently begun to consider myself an artist. At the same time, I’ve always known deep down that I am an artist. As child I was really creative. I spent much of my time drawing and painting. I particularly loved illustration and comics. In my late teens I had some negative experiences that caused me to question my self-worth as an artist, and I actually stopped art-making completely at this point in my life.
Throughout my adult life I surrounded myself with creative people, but did not consider myself to be a creative person. I resigned myself to being a “behind the scenes” person – supporting others in their creative pursuits but never putting myself out there.
If I have to pick an event that was a catalyst for me finding my creative spark again, it was having kids. Creating with kids is always really freeing as there are no expectations with creative play. And with the birth of my second child, I reconnected with my inner creative drive. I began a practice of drawing every day for twenty minutes – with no expectations or agenda. Really just doodling whatever for twenty minutes a day. I totally credit this particular practice with opening the floodgates in my brain. For whatever reason, this practice seemed to flip a switch in my head that I haven’t been able to turn off since!
It was around this time that I also began teaching myself macramé. I took an online class from Creativebug taught by Emily Katz of Modern Macramé – and just totally fell in love with the practice and art of tying knots. I had never really been interested in fiber art before but this new skill and practice totally captured my heart. After learning macramé, I also decided to try loom weaving. I bought a loom online and with the help of books, some YouTube tutorials, and a lot of trial and error, I learned to weave.
I would say that after a year or two of making macramé and weaving I’ve really found my voice as an artist. I have a signature style, but I still really love to experiment, try new things, and challenge myself constantly. I weave EVERY day (without fail) – this practice has also become essential to my mental and emotional wellbeing and I can’t imagine my life without it at this point.
I have Fibromyalgia (a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue), and my artistic practice has become a viable way for me to support myself and my family as a disabled person. Living with chronic illness isn’t easy, but creating every day brings joy to my life in a way I haven’t been able to discover otherwise. I feel incredibly grateful to be doing what I do every day!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create colorful and whimsical fiber art that brings joy to whoever brings my pieces home. I think investing in beautiful art for our homes is an essential part of wellbeing and self-care, and I feel very lucky that I get to make pieces that bring joy and happiness to others.
My materials are my inspiration – I love working with bright, colorful palettes and adore choosing colorways to work with. I love to work with unique yarns and materials, and am using more and more handspun and hand dyed yarns from other artists in my work.
My work is fun and whimsical and always evolving! I love to challenge myself and I’m always learning and trying new techniques. I also love to share my love of weaving and macramé so I teach local workshops as well.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Art and creative practice is a way for me to channel my anxiety into creating something productive and beautiful. I also think that having a daily creative practice is a wonderful way to exercise mindfulness and stay grounded.
Artists definitely have a platform to speak out about particular issues in the world, and I think we all have a social responsibility to be active around issues that affect us, whether that be in our local communities or on a global scale.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Currently you can see my entire portfolio over on Instagram, and purchase my work via my Etsy shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.etsy.com/novamercury
- Email: novamercurydesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @novamercury
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/novamercurydesign/
Image Credit:
Jen Duffin for all images
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