Leinerje

Friday Finds... Leinerje


Interview # 46
I just love finding unusual art and a few weeks back I came across this awesome store full of the perfect sort of work you like to see around this time of the year (and the rest of it too :) ). Jennifer M. Leiner's work is based on abstract architecture, and finds her inspiration derives from Thomas Hart Benton, Grandma Moses and Grant Wood of whom she mentions in her bio (check out her shop profile!). I do love the freedom of expression when it comes to all things abstract as it allows one to take any direction that your heart and inspiration can take you. You can go as far as you want, and contort your created space as much as you want. That's what makes something abstract uniquely you as it is an expression what I call the soul nature of your being and almost like your signature in the form of an image. I find Jennifer's work extremely interesting to contemplate as it's both haunting but warming at the same time. The lines of the structures almost wave like they are fluid and give you a new impression each time you look away and look back at the pieces. Excellent stuff I must say, and I am very glad to introduce Jennifer to you in today's interview. Check out her store to see more of her collection right after you read :)

(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)

-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Jennifer M. Leiner (Jen), I am 36 years old and I live in Raleigh, NC. I just finished my B.A. in Studio art. My son is nine years old and I have quite the mengerie of pets-they like to think of themselves as "people" too so don't tell them I said anything to the contrary.



-- What is your business about then? I love to paint and I do it constantly-up to ten hours a day. When I am not painting I am thinking about my next composition and/or researching ideas on the internet. While I can do most anything, I have love to paint abstracted houses. They are fun, the possibilities are absolutely endless and most don't require too much thought. I like to think that they "paint" themselves.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? While at Meredith College, I had a bunch of classmates who had their own etsy shops and told me about it. As soon as I graduated and had a bit more time to devote to work that I would like to sell, I signed on. I love it.


-- Are you working a day job too? Not right now. I devote my time to my art and my son. I have some local arts and craft shows coming up in the next couple of months.



-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I have been drawing since I was a child but as I got into my late teens and early twenties that fizzled out as my social life was everything (alas...) One evening my boyfriend (now my husband)and I were talking about things we were good at. I was feeling a bit dejected at that time as I completely lacked direction-but I said, "I can draw". He didn't believe me and asked me to draw him something. So, the next day I hauled out a huge picture book of animals and drew a perfect representation of a sea horse. After that day, I never stopped...


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? That's a tough one....I think mostly that I know I have something that someone may want. I feel that my work is unique in style and if it makes me so happy, I like to think it can make others happy too.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Strange, Moody and Fun


-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? During After getting my family out of the house, I check my store, emails and sometimes a half hour or so getting my ideas together. I then haul my computer and grape juice (I am an addict!) into my studio, find a movie to stream on netlfix and get to work. From there I stay put. I always have several paintings going at once so I can switch around if I find my concentration waning. I quit in late afternoon to do family stuff but almost always return to my studio after dinner while everyone is winding down for the night.



-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? Oil paint-always. I usually work on canvas but I have been known to break out a masonite panel here and there.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? Ideally, I would love to have my work consistantly bring in enough money to supplement my husband's salary to continue to allow me to do what I do now-forever. I want to be known as someone who offers quality work and quality service. Fingers crossed!!



-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I read constantly-we have a finished attic that moonlights as a library. When the weather cools down I play catch with my son and have even been known to practice a little bit of yoga here and there..





-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I like looking at autumn/holiday stuff as we are coming into my favorite time of the year. I also like to look at shops that sell things that are a little bit unusual/dark/quirky (ooo-those should be the three words to describe my stuff!) You never know when inspiration might decide to come for a visit.


-- Any last words? Don't give up. It's easy to get discouraged but just keep doing what you do-there is something out there for everyone.