Jenny Wunderlich (aka jWu)

I am a woman, mother, aspiring nomad, writer, and self-taught artist whose talents were evident and encouraged from a very early age. As a child with the time and freedom to explore and immerse myself in creativity and imagination, I was oblivious to what a privilege it was to indulge without limits - as an adult I am acutely aware. Art remains a constant throughout every stage of my life, but admittedly it has been challenging to feed and nurture it while also surviving and navigating life in an unapologetically demanding and materialistic society. 

And yet, I have been resourceful in finding ways to integrate my passion for artistic expression into the careers I’ve pursued over the years. I have created logos, ads, signs, and websites as a graphic designer. I have hosted gallery showings of my fine art and nature photography, and photographed weddings and other special events. I have written for music magazines, booked musicians and played in bands. I have credits on IMDB for my work as a costume designer and wardrobe stylist. I have done make-up artistry, special effects, and body painting. I have collaborated with other artists on architectural sculptures in music venues and restaurants. My artwork is etched into granite and will remain in local cemeteries and businesses for decades, and I have painted murals on buildings across the piedmont. 

Over the years I have also formed multiple businesses that enabled me to continue creating while working full-time. For my company Heavy Art Creations, I made garden stones and pet memorials using the sandblasting techniques I learned at a monument company. I formed Star Belly Arts to offer custom belly casts to commemorate the beauty of expectant mothers during the last few weeks of their pregnancies.  Ultimately, I aspire to build an artist retreat offering education and access to all kinds of mediums, where people from all backgrounds feel free to explore without judgment or restriction.

I have a lifelong love for and connection with the natural world. I’m in awe of the overwhelming beauty and significance of it, so of course nature is the most common theme in my work. Nature is LIFE, endlessly captivating and inspiring me - I surround myself with it at every opportunity. I have a particular interest in the juxtaposition of humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the imbalance we’ve created as we continue to take it for granted. Through my art, I am driven to draw attention to the misguided perception of nature as a resource, something separate from ourselves to be selfishly and thoughtlessly used up and discarded. It is impossible to sever our connection. We are part of the natural world and cannot cause this kind of damage without harming ourselves. To deny this is to deny who we are. It is imperative we become better stewards. 

Just as nature has a remarkable ability to rejuvenate and heal, creating art nourishes my soul like nothing else. It is a hunger that will never be fully satiated. My vision is to keep spreading awareness and inspire more people to consider the implications. I will accomplish this goal by focusing on my unrelenting desire to learn more techniques, explore additional mediums, refine my skills, and to give more and more of myself to my art until I don’t know where I end and my art begins - and we are one.