by Travis Naughton Nov 3, 2021

Artist Jenny McGee describes her paintings as “a body of autobiographical, figural work that celebrates some of the great mysteries of human life and faith: imperfection as perfection, vulnerability as strength, and brokenness as wholeness.” McGee believes that inspiration can come from life experiences, memories, and emotions. “It is all about following those nudges and gut feelings that pop up and say, ‘You just gotta do this!’ That’s when I know the inspiration is coming from a deeper place of connection with the divine.”

When Jenny McGee was in elementary school, she told her parents that she wanted to be an artist or a veterinarian. “Art is what came easiest to me,” she said. “I had the most fun doing it, so I decided to pursue fine art and graphic design in college,” McGee said she knew by the age of 24 that she wanted to make art her career. “I often tell people to get a business degree and a minor in their art of choice,” she added. “It’s important (for a professional artist) to have both of those skills.”

McGee characterizes her works in paper collage style to pick scenes from throughout mid-Missouri. “Most of the masters worked in multiple styles, “she said. “The only way you learn what you love to do is to try everything out that your heart is saying to try. “

“My personal life and experiences are intrinsically embedded in the work I create. “Mcgee said. “I remember one exhibition I had in New York City that was all about my transformations as a woman and a breast cancer survivor. These pieces tapped into an emotional, personal, and internal space where I wove together recovered elements of body image and self-acceptance. “She said she loved the way the series communicated a pathway through trauma to artistic beauty and self-worth. She described it as “a pathway whose flagstones our faith, hope, and love. “

McGee said one of the biggest obstacles she has had to overcome was the mistaken belief that she would never be able to earn a good income as an artist. She said, “I am proud of the determination and persistence through trial and error. I have had to demonstrate because I believe differently now. “She has launched a course for other artists, and painters in particular, who want to make a living with their art. The program is called the Profitable Artist Academy, and more information can be found at Mcgee‘s website: www.artistjennymcgee.com.

While Mcgee teaches artists how to turn their passion for painting into profit, she says the thing she wants most for her students is for them to reach a place where they have trust in themselves and their process. She believes artists need to be kind to themselves and understand that success and missteps are “all part of the journey. “

“I love supporting and encouraging other artists, “McGee said. “Especially women artists. “She implores art collectors and people who love art to do the same. “I don’t believe in art, “she said “I believe in artists. “McGee elaborated,“our time here is short in art is a personal human experience that expresses life as it is. Support artists while they are still alive. Support their expressions of society. Purchase art from your favorite artist and help keep their flame burning hot and bright. “Mcgee said people should fill the spaces of their offices and homes with art that moves, inspires, and relates to them.

Mcgee works in her Harzburg home and in her studio at 1001 Walnut St. in Columbia, between Ernie’s Café and dance arts. She chose her studio space because she wanted to be near her friend Wendi who owns Art Underground. I love the space because I can easily meet clients there, and it serves as both a studio and a gallery. “This Friday, November 5, the studio will be hosting an open house from 5 to 8 PM during Columbia‘s “first Friday artwork “. The art walk takes place every month in the North Village arts District in downtown Columbia and features live music, art demonstrations, children’s activities, food, and more.