Jen Kruse shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I was working on the finishing touches to my painting/crystal/resin piece and I accientally set the resin on fire. I was able to save the piece but it was a wild experience to suddenly see my art on fire. I laughed about it afer and I am proud that the piece came out amazing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jen Kruse and I create art of all different mediums using different techniques. I use markers to create bright vivid abstract shapes on paper, I use different brush strokes for my acrylic canvas paintings and even throw in a little spray paint on occassion. I also enjoy using watercolors, colored pencils, and even combining all different mediums. I also make wooden jewelry trays where I use a scrapbooking technique, resin, and acrylic paint to create a unique look. I am currently working on 2 canvas pieces where I combine acrylic paint, crystals, and resin as well as 1 large and 1 small marker piece.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Dad’s mother (my Oma) was the first person to tell me I was beautiful. I felt so loved and so seen when she told me I was beautiful. It made me re-evaluate my self-consiousness and insecurities because she saw me before I could even see myself. I love making beautiful art pieces and to know I was like those pieces I am driven to create was an eye-opening moment. I learned to love myself, my flaws, my strengths, and what makes me unique from my Oma.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2023, I painted 2 murals on commission which were both erased after 2 weeks due to conflicts between the owners of the buildings. I also turned down over $10k in commission work due to the commissionees inappropriate behavior. I was devestated from the murals being painted over, murals I poured my soul into. And learning that sometimes people who want to commission art do not always have morals was another blow to my desire to create. It took about a year and a half before I was ready to create again, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I began creating and perfecting my website until I was once again full of passion.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I believe that anything that does not harm a person or animal can be considered art. Whether it’s splashing paint at random on a canvas or selling rings made out of old spoons or placing thousands of art just so in order to create a scene, art is everywhere and anyone can be an artist. In fact, I believe we are all artists, whether it’s in the kitchen, the garden, or even dancing, people are artists.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
I would build everything artsy that I could. I would design a fabulous house, I would design and create all the stones and jewelry I wanted to wear, I would design and sew all of my clothes, I would learn to sew leather to make myself purses, and I would learn to make shoes so I could fill my closet with whatever I pleased. I would build myself an epic closet and fill it with everything I created.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenkruseart.com
- Instagram: @jenkruseart
