For Jennie, Art is not only a means of expression but also a reflection of who she is, her experiences, her hopes and dreams. In this episode of “Into Her Life” Jennie talks about how her art came to be and what she hopes to achieve with it.
Q: What does art mean to you?
A: My art is my identity, it is who Jennifer Christian is. I cannot imagine any aspect of my life that has not been influenced or inspired by what I am today.
Being the kind of artist and designer I am, I would say it embodies who I am completely and is a direct reflection of what I have grown to be. Every aspect of my life is interwoven into what I do.
Q: How does art relate to your experience as a woman?
A: Like I said, my art is a direct reflection of me, my thoughts and my experiences. When it comes to the fashion aspect of my art, be it designs or illustrations, it’s just a mirroring of things I love. Things I would wear and feel beautiful and confident in. I think this translates to my experience of fashion as a woman.
Other aspects of the art I put out, the erotic pieces, are also influenced by my experiences and what I’d like to explore sexually, what I’d like other women to explore and experience. Everything I want to experience, I express it in my art.
Q: How has fashion come into play with your art?
A: Fashion has always been the main character when it comes to my life as an artist because way before I could make a decent sketch, I’ve always had an eye for fashion.
My late mum was someone who indulged me in all of it. We would watch fashion shows or old music videos with great fashion styles together.
Fashion has been another form when it comes to my art. I lean towards it more than any other art I put out.
Q: How does your experience as a woman express itself in your art?
A: In every way really, being a woman and depicting my art through the lens of a woman is very important to me. With my erotic art, it’s always through the eyes of a woman being pleased by her partner.
Q: How has your art journey grown with you?
A: For someone who grew up a little confused (laughs) not with art, I was very certain about doing it but as someone who grew up as a tomboy, I didn’t know what fit me. I didn’t really know what my style was, I also didn’t know what niche to carve for myself. I was just doing this and that.
Getting older, with added experience, I have gotten to a point where I am now confident with my style. Plus, I am also now comfortable with my sexuality and sexual expression and it reflects in my art.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone starting out like you?
A: Stick to it. If art is something you love doing, if it’s something that gives you butterflies and brings you happiness, stick to it. Don’t be influenced by anyone saying it won’t fetch you money or that you aren’t good enough. We’re caught up in a world where everything is seen through a monetary lens but as long as it makes you happy, stick to it.
Letting people influence your direction would make you miserable and lost. Learn from experiences, but don’t be swayed. Also, try to appreciate the slow process.
Q: How does it feel to see your creation come to life
A: It is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.
I used to make ready-to-wear designs and make red carpet looks for celebrities and I thought that was the highlight of my career, but transitioning to designing bridal dresses has been a different experience. To know I played a major role in creating the happiest day of a bride’s life is a beautiful thing.
Bringing the dream dresses of brides to life and seeing them wear the outfits on D-day is a feeling I have no words for.
Q: Your erotic art causes quite a stir when you post them. What do you think about that?
A: It’s always very nice when I get a lot of comments about my art. Some of them aren’t so nice but then it’s the internet. I think one of my favourite things is women telling me that they experimented with the positions I showed in art, or they sent it to a partner and it helped with their sex life.
Q: If you could change one thing differently from when you started, what would you do?
A: Fashion school. I would have insisted on going to one. My father wanted me to go to a “proper uni” and get a “proper degree” but if I could go back, I would put my foot down and insist on going to a fashion school instead of studying microbiology.
However, I try not to hold any regrets or linger on what should have been.
