February Artist Spotlight – Meet Jenny Schneider

Jenny Schneider is a mixed media artist and illustrator living in Wellesley and working from her studio at the Saxonville Mills in Framingham.

Tell Us About Your Background

I was born and raised in Germany and moved to Mexico City at the age of 21 where I studied Psychology at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Inspired by the vibrant  Mexican artisan culture and as a way of processing living in a new culture, I also studied art and fell in love with watercolor. In 2003 I earned an MA in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA combining both my passion for the arts and mental health.  

When my husband was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003, making art became my own therapy and refuge. (He since has recovered and is doing great). We moved to Wellesley in 2010 with our two boys where I found a group of creative women (formerly known as the Wellesley Women Artisans) who supported each other through art and motherhood. Together, we started the event “Art in the Park” that still happens every year during Wellesley Wonderful Weekend. 

In 2023 I moved my art practice to a studio at the Saxonville Mills in Framingham. I have continuously studied various art and illustration techniques at the SMFA, Boston and attended multiple workshops throughout the country. In addition to the WSA, I am also a member of  Concord Art and also work for Art Wellesley. When I am not making art, I love to travel and learn about different cultures.  I am fluent in English, Spanish, German and understand some French. I am also a certified Yoga teacher, specialized in restorative yoga. I also love to bake, enjoy long hikes, and am learning to dance salsa. You will always find me listening to music, audio books and podcasts. 

What is your medium? 

I work as an illustrator and mixed media artist.

As an illustrator I work in watercolor, collage and digital media. I have written and illustrated a children’s book, illustrated a book about Yin Yoga and created a line of greeting cards and calendars, among other things.  My greeting cards can be found online (www.jenny-schneider.com and in select local stores  (Wellesley Bookstore, Constellation, Somerville, Clay Art & Concept, Concord, and soon at Posies of Wellesley)  

As a mixed media artist I work in watercolor, acrylics and collage. I love the fluidity of watercolor, the freedom of collage and the surprise when combining both.   

What is your art process?

“The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.”   ~ James Baldwin

Art allows me to make sense of the world.  I am always curious what the process has to teach me about living and being human. My training as an art therapist influences my creative process. I strive to let go of preconceived ideas and instead trust the process. I tend to have a variety of sketchbooks and handmade journals at the same time that help me process and collect my ideas.  I am constantly inspired by the natural world, the magic of colors and the play of light and shadow. I enjoy finding beauty in the mundane, poetry in a simple flower, playfulness in an abstract collage. Just as I am connecting with my inner world, I hope that my paintings are a gentle invitation to pause, go inward and connect with one’s own sense of wonder. 

I admire the work of Georgia O’Keefe, Ruth Asawa, Helen Frankenthaler and Henri Matisse (among so many others) and love nothing more than visiting a museum and see art in person. 

Past and future projects

Last year I collaborated on an exhibit called “Exuberance” with two other fabulous artists at Project B Gallery. As you can see below, I was fascinated with birds as they keep making their way into my collages and paintings.

 

I also painted a Traffic Box in Wellesley. This was an interesting challenge as I usually paint on a much smaller scale. I hope it offers a little color and fun to people passing  by.  (Image Credit: Beth Shedd)

 

Currently, I am teaching mindful collage workshops which invite people to slow down, and reconnect with themselves (and each other) while making art.

You can find out more about my work and upcoming events here:

Jenny Schneider || Art and Illustration || www.jenny-schneider.com

Instagram: @jenny_schneider