IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
I used to think I simply enjoyed the activity of painting and it wasn't until I began tracking my moods and behaviors did I see just how my bipolar and creativity were so intertwined.
Art provides me an avenue to express myself and release emotion and at the same time my artistic style and ability to produce work is influenced by the mood state I am in.
In the past I more frequently painted with a brighter or contrasting color palette and shorter brush strokes when hypomanic and softer tones with tranquil content when more stable. More recently with the discovery of a new technique and style I find that I am able to work more consistently and the use of color is less varied regardless of mood.
However, my mental state continues to affect how I view my work and talent as an artist. When I am down, I become very critical of my work and almost embarrassed to show it. I more quickly give up on a piece and even may trash it but as I feel better, I can see the beauty in what I have done and confidently share it.
With any process painting enables me to escape the everyday life struggles and the racing thoughts in my mind. Even if just for a moment, the world can disappear and it is just me, my paints, and the canvas.
ABOUT JENNIFER
Born in San Francisco to an attorney and ballerina, Jennifer Pepin grew up with both the analytic and creative influences of her parent’s careers. When it came to work, she focused attention on her analytic side but always kept creative hobbies: playing the piano, making jewelry and other crafts.
However, it wasn’t until her 27th birthday when a friend gave her a small art set that she discovered her true passion of painting.
After 12 years in sales and marketing in the corporate world, Jennifer opened J. Pepin Art Gallery in September of 2013. Although she continues to find time to paint, her focus has shifted to running the business and she enjoys supporting other artists and helping them succeed.
Jennifer currently resides in Northeast Portland with her fiancé and their two dogs.
I used to think I simply enjoyed the activity of painting and it wasn't until I began tracking my moods and behaviors did I see just how my bipolar and creativity were so intertwined.
Art provides me an avenue to express myself and release emotion and at the same time my artistic style and ability to produce work is influenced by the mood state I am in.
In the past I more frequently painted with a brighter or contrasting color palette and shorter brush strokes when hypomanic and softer tones with tranquil content when more stable. More recently with the discovery of a new technique and style I find that I am able to work more consistently and the use of color is less varied regardless of mood.
However, my mental state continues to affect how I view my work and talent as an artist. When I am down, I become very critical of my work and almost embarrassed to show it. I more quickly give up on a piece and even may trash it but as I feel better, I can see the beauty in what I have done and confidently share it.
With any process painting enables me to escape the everyday life struggles and the racing thoughts in my mind. Even if just for a moment, the world can disappear and it is just me, my paints, and the canvas.
ABOUT JENNIFER
Born in San Francisco to an attorney and ballerina, Jennifer Pepin grew up with both the analytic and creative influences of her parent’s careers. When it came to work, she focused attention on her analytic side but always kept creative hobbies: playing the piano, making jewelry and other crafts.
However, it wasn’t until her 27th birthday when a friend gave her a small art set that she discovered her true passion of painting.
After 12 years in sales and marketing in the corporate world, Jennifer opened J. Pepin Art Gallery in September of 2013. Although she continues to find time to paint, her focus has shifted to running the business and she enjoys supporting other artists and helping them succeed.
Jennifer currently resides in Northeast Portland with her fiancé and their two dogs.
