Young artist to watch in 2022
Jenna H. Conlin, Afternoon Scroll, oil, 24 x 24.
State in Which You Reside: Ohio.
Art Education: I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in the arts. During my final semester, I was a studio assistant for J. Kirk Richards. I now take workshops from artists I admire.
Style: Fairly representational, but I often include elements of abstraction to enhance the concept.
Creative Spark: Other artists, currently Aleah Chapman, Nicolás Uribe, J. Kirk Richards, and Brian Kershisnik.
Second-Choice Career: Unrealistically, I’d be an astronaut. Slightly more realistically, I’d be a writer, a filmmaker, or a therapist.
Other Passions: I love long-distance running, film, (very) amateur baking, and spending time with my family, husband, and brand-new baby boy.
One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I can unicycle, albeit poorly.
Best Art Advice Received: Don’t worry about choosing any one art philosophy with doglike loyalty.
Biggest Fear: Not prioritizing the things that matter most in favor of self-interest.
Pet Peeve: When drivers don’t use their turn signals.
Quirkiest Trait: I asked my husband, and he said I have an uncanny ability to spill things. I agree.
Mantra or Motto: You get good at what you practice.
Favorite Studio Music: I usually listen to audiobooks or turn on movies or shows.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: My answer changes daily, but MARAT by Nicolás Uribe currently resonates. I can’t get over the colors and the figure’s pose.
Future Goals: To make honest work.
Price Range: $200 to $5,000.
Representation: www.jennaconlinartwork.com.
To read the full list of 21 Under 31 artists for 2022, click here.
This story appeared in the August/September 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.