Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannine Moeder.
Hi Jeannine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has always been a special part of my life but not initially the focus of my career. When choosing a career path for college a “practical” path was encouraged over doing “what you love”. I completed an Education degree and a master’s degree in Educational Counseling while taking art classes along the way. Art also felt like my sacred passion that I did not want to feel pressured to make a living on. My career in my 20s was an experiment in different roles for different organizations beginning with a move to Los Angeles from the east coast. For over a decade I was gaining valuable life and work experience, contributing and serving unique populations but something felt off, it was not coming from my true purpose. With time and perspective, it all started to make sense as I dove into creative aspects in jobs and eventually began traveling and teaching art, slowing inching my way closer to art. I worked with interesting populations in schools and nonprofits including unhoused, at-risk girls on probation, foster youth, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias while managing programs, events and volunteers, providing counseling and running support groups in schools, detention centers, community centers and organizations. While still working full-time and pregnant I began to paint large landscape pieces, was in art events and began selling my art pieces as a side job. For a long time before art found its way into my work, I was seeking what was truly my purpose in my work. There was a lot of lack growing up and fear was the driving force but as I was learning more as an adult the narrative started to change. Now I lived in San Diego, had more experience and started to believe in the possibility of something different, I followed the intuitive voice that led me to more art in my career and that is when I truly felt at ease, finding the sweet spot in my purpose. In the years that followed I have developed an entrepreneurial business with a few facets which has evolved over time. To subsidize the selling of my work in stores and galleries, I teach drawing and painting classes to children and adults, facilitate art therapy in therapeutic art classes, utilizing my background in education and the non-profit sector. It all culminated with my prior experience and taking some leaps when the opportunities presented themselves in art. I am so grateful that I followed my intuitive nudges that helped lead me to what truly feels like I am exactly where I am meant to be in my career. It has not been easy or a linear path and lots of doubt at times with putting my personal work into the world. There has been a lot of learning in developing my business. I have a lot more confidence now in the process and grateful for the twists and turns that led me here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
(See previous in story). I did not know anyone that was doing exactly what I am doing in my style of art, very few that were working in therapeutic art and no one that was teaching Japanese Manga! But that is also what makes it unique and niche. I am grateful that I learned to trust myself in my choices in how I create and help guide others to as well. I have relied on a lot of trial and error and building self-reliance. I have had wonderful supporters along the way in clients, mentors, other artists etc. that have encouraged me to do things my way as well as price my work for its value which has grown over time. Artists including myself can struggle with pricing and executing what to sell. The different components of my business are varied but I like the diversity. I took my time with making it the main part of my career. I also don’t pressure myself to do “studio time”. I have learned to get comfortable with the ebbs and flows as I want my work to elicit light and calm which starts with how I feel when I create. Imposter syndrome was at play, and I kept just doing the next indicated step. Things have always found a way of working but it took me awhile to believe that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My current artwork is mixed media work inspired by travel, meditation and yoga. I have found travel to be one of my greatest teachers and have been inspired to share this in my work. It is also influenced by my spiritual and personal growth inspired by yoga, meditation and therapy. I layer photo images, textiles, ink, and paints in pieces that have sold well in yoga and meditation retail as well as in self-awareness/spiritual gift shops and galleries. I think what sets me apart is that I have relied on my own intuition as opposed to imitating something else. My work has changed and evolved with my growth. I have gotten more confident in trusting my creative instincts and ease in what it “needs” to be. I also did commissions for a while but have found that it is better for me to create without parameters to reach more people to enjoy. I am passionate about the place that I am creating from being authentic and inspired as I feel that is reflected in my artwork and felt by the collector.
In my art teaching and therapeutic sessions, it is similar in that I do it with my unique style. I use humor and levity to attempt to build confidence, boost mood and artistic skills. Art can become so serious. I want the artists who I work with to find joy in creating exactly what inspires their true self. Creating art can feel humbling. I help artists to change narratives that they may have built around their abilities. I love when someone who is struggling with grief, loss, heartache, depression, anxiety etc. can process, gain support and connection as well as find an outlet in art. It is very rewarding and spiritual at times. It is priceless!
Any big plans?
There is always more that can be done and a laundry list of administrative and development tasks, but I am learning more and more to enjoy the process and be grateful for what it is right now. Rather than creating what I think others will like it is about what resonates with me from an honest place. I want people to feel inspired to be their highest version and find peace when they view and collect my work. I am so grateful for every supporter, client, shop, gallery and event partner and opportunity to work in art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moederfineart.com/
- Instagram: @jeanninemoeder
Image Credits
Nathan Moeder (photos of me in my art studio)
