Jenni Lee

It's been so encouraging to hear from other artists working in the cultural sector, through their passion and lived experience to create a sustainable industry. I recognize more now than before, the precarity of creative professions within the ability to give artists & workers a sustainable wage.

Wrapping my first year in art school, I’m beginning to be seen—as an artist. That wasn’t my goal starting out, but I’m finding my voice and learning to speak with intention. For the first time, my work is recognized for its meaning. It’s new, and it’s deeply affirming.

I get it—if you don’t resonate with an artist’s purpose it's okay. Not all art will connect with everyone. I appreciate the effort artists put into creating something meaningful to positively impact the world. As a maker I’m learning how important intention is, even if not everyone sees/values it.

I'm currently exploring the concept of effort more profoundly, particularly within my arts school community. I've noticed that I often invest more effort into relationships than necessary. I'm learning to scale back when that effort isn't reciprocated.

Feeling like an outsider in creative spaces is real. I'm looking for people who embrace the process, who want to share real conversations, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to artistic growth. Maybe it’s a slower, more deliberate path, not one with just polished results or metrics.

I’ve learned to stay away from divisive competition. It can often distract and discourage me from following my inner voice that never leads me astray.

Sometimes, outside voices should simply stay outside.

So much of my work is personal. For me, I need to be passionate about a certain something to be curious, inquisitive and open to explore it through my own creative voice.

How my soul sings when I encounter those unique souls who glow, where that same glow reflects in their work and has a special kind of magic. These are very rare and precious people indeed.

I’m beginning to recognize with certainty that my life was meant to expand, not relegated to small experiences in one place or one city for the rest of my life.

Every fall, the changing leaves used to inspire me to create beautiful landscape photos. But over the years, the hype has made it feel overdone, and I’ve lost the passion for capturing them. Now, I find more joy in simply experiencing the moment rather than reducing it to a single image.

I get the ick with photographers who are lethally competitive, care nothing for community, and only aim to capture images to stand in the spotlight.

It makes me feel like I’m swimming in a pool full of sharks when all I want is to enjoy the ocean.

As I embrace formal studies in visual art, I'm learning how to bravely share more of my work with friends and family who are not aware I'm an image-maker. It makes me feel like a kid, as if I'm needing to speak up for myself and say: "Hey, look what I can do!" 😅

Receiving external validation as a photographer can be both affirming and challenging. What I am learning:
1. Not all validation is equal. Understanding the source is crucial.
2. Validation is a tool but not a measure.
3. Validation should not define your artistic identity, unique voice or work.

Wisdom I've gained in attempts to reconnect with friends who shared parts of my personal growth and emotional history: your gratitude is not necessary, only the evidence of change, and:

"Normalize not needing a final conversation or last meeting to get closure."
-Peaceful Barb

Finally returning from what has felt like a creative outer space, my life is transitioning. I'm closing all kinds of chapters from a life once lived and starting a new volume. I'm grieving yet excited for what lies ahead.

It can take a while to find your community. But don't give up. Not only do you learn so much about individuals and their interaction of the world around you, but so much about yourself and what you truly value in connections you make.

There is an entire library of images in the digital ether (a.k.a. deleted bytes from my hard drive) of people & places that are no longer a part of my life. I think about this sometimes. It's strange to contemplate how the proof of particular people & experiences can be easily deleted & disappear.

Becoming more curious, with the desire to experience my own creative expansion, I recognize that some abilities I have I cannot explain - only that their inherent presence emerges deep within my bones. Whether that be an inherited trait or a deep awareness of gifts I was born with, I'm grateful.

My artistic practice is not based on productivity demands. I don't like to pump out work because it's forced out of me, rather that that the work has a desire to create & express itself through my hands. This doesn't sit well with my counterparts who quantify accomplishment & the metrics of success.

Returning to IG after a 6mth fast, I'm finding two reoccurring posts:
1) I left my previous career & am now a successful digital marketer/entrepreneur & make a six figure income income.
2) I'm on recovery mode from burnout.
So, what the algorithm is saying is, the two are synonymous, right?