Allow us to introduce you to the exceptionally talented Jennifer Bullard, a celebrated impressionist artist whose creativity knows no bounds. While she’s renowned for her exquisite canvases that bring the world to life, her artistic talent doesn’t stop there. She’s a visionary who takes her craft to the next level by transforming ordinary jeans and apparel into wearable works of art. Join us as we embark on a journey into the world of Jennifer Bullard, an exemplary artist who is blending the realms of traditional art to wearable artistry.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist and what led you to pursue your love for art?
I grew up surrounded by art. Being raised by parents who were both very successful artists, I guess it was inevitable. I watched them painting in their studio, helped them at art shows, and went to every museum they could drag me and my three siblings to. I had absolutely NO interest. I wanted a “real” career as an actress or model (I can’t even say that now without laughing) My father was a Naval pilot, so we lived on the east, west, and southern coasts and attended all the art shows. While stretching before a yoga class with a friend, she asked, “Why don’t you paint?” I thought that was an odd question. We were both selling real estate at the time, and I hated it. She went on to explain that she had always seen me as a creative person and that she had many clients in the market for large abstract pieces. At that moment I decided, I can do this! How hard can it be to slap weird shapes that don’t make sense on a canvas and charge people for this? Well, I quickly realized it was much more difficult than I could have ever imagined. My mother coached me and I also studied other artists, took classes, and read many books. I fell passionately in love with painting and creating uplifting pieces that will bring joy to people in their homes.
Your work seems to blur the lines between fine art and fashion. How do you approach the process of transforming your paintings into wearable art, and what challenges and rewards does this bring to your creative process?
I love art and fashion and I had several successful years of runway modeling. Because I was always painting, I would run to the store in my jeans with paint splattered all over them. I received so many compliments from strangers that my husband encouraged me to start selling them. I thought he was joking so just for fun, I purposely painted a pair with many random paint splatters. They took off. As a result that’s all I wear. I am constantly handing out cards and filling orders, so I’ve turned this into a business. There is nothing more rewarding than to see someone wearing my “JENNY” jeans. For those who are bold enough to wear them, they truly bring joy to our lives.
Many artists find inspiration from various sources. What themes or concepts inspire your artwork, and how do you incorporate these into both your paintings and clothing designs?
Although my abstracts and clothing do not depict any subject matter that represents nature, nature is what inspires me. I love the colors and shapes. When painting mountains, flowers, and trees, they are always in an abstract form.
What advice or guidance would you offer to aspiring artists who are just beginning their journey in launching their art business?
Remember just that. It is a JOURNEY, not a destination. It is difficult to subject yourself to judgment and criticism, but always remember, you are doing something you love. You can change your style and your method (and sometimes you may need to) but don’t ever quit and NEVER stop learning and growing.
Are there any specific artists whom you deeply admire and draw inspiration from in your own work?
I began my career studying the Impressionist artists. They have something unique to offer and I love their stories, but my favorite artists came a little later in time. Wassily Kandinsky, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollack are a few of my favorites. I feel like my painted jeans are a combination of Pollack and Kandinsky. My canvas paintings could possibly be a combination of all of them with a little Cy Twombly, who is famous for his random markings and scribbles. I LOVE making random markings and scribbles. They give added interest and intrigue, and children really seem to love them. I had a young boy approach me at an art show and ask, “Ma’am, did you know that someone scribbled on your painting?” Absolutely Adorable!
