"Inspiring Artists!" Jennifer Weinberg

Meet Photographer, Jennifer Weinberg…

Jennifer,
Getting to work with you for the “Our Backyard” show at Sertoma Arts Center was an incredible pleasure! Watching you take everything in before you even set up your camera I knew your work was a true art form. Because of that experience I am now grateful to also know you as a friend. Not only does your art continue to amaze me, but your passion and love for your work is contagious. I am honored to have your photography hang in my own home and so proud to introduce it to guests as done by my friend.

Ditto.
Thank you!

Please introduce yourself and your art a little bit.

I’ve been a photographer now for about 12 years. My photographic art is mainly nature imagery with emphasis on close-ups and landscapes. I attended Brooks Institute of Photography and while a student there I was offered an amazing opportunity for an internship with Art Wolfe. Art is an amazing nature photographer and working with him was truly an honor. I’ve received awards from the North American Nature Photographers Association and also from the Washington Arboretum Foundation. I’ve shown my work in local galleries all over from Seattle, New Orleans and here in North Carolina including the New Orleans Museum of Art, Visual Art Exchange and The Grand Gallery at the Museum of Flight. I’ve been published in numerous magazines some of which include Popular Photography, Cary Magazine, Camera in the Wild and most recently I published work for the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. I also self publish a calendar every year in addition to notecards sold locally.

Where can people find you and your work?

People can find me at the Carter Building (Raleigh, NC), http://www.thecarterbuilding.com, where I have my studio and participate in the First Friday Artwalk every month.
I’m also on the web at www.jenniferweinberg.com and on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Weinberg-photography/59713060010

I have an upcoming exhibit later this summer in Cary at the Herbert Young Community Center. It will be up from July 30th through September 20th. Workshops are ongoing and I seem to be teaching them almost all of the time. Up next is Photographing Waterlilies at Duke Gardens in July. Workshop info can be found on my website at www.jenniferweinberg.com/workhsops

Finish this thought: For me art is…

finding time to feed my soul. It’s making moments where I am grounded and deeply connected to the elements of nature. I get absorbed, in mind and body, through my lens. I always have hopes that when I allow myself to go to this place of creating, others will be inspired or will appreciate what I took the time to really see.

Where do you get the inspiration for your photography?

Inspiration comes from so many places. I always get excited in my own garden, when a new flower blooms or a new season presents itself. Of course I am always looking at the work of other photographers and artists and I often find myself inspired by the work of my students.

Your personal connection with nature is evident in your fine art photography. Can you talk about that connection and your efforts towards environmental conservation?

I feel like I’ve seen the best and the worst of nature in my short lifetime. It’s so important that people take responsibility for the impact that we are having. I hope my photography reminds people how beautiful our world is, how beautiful the things in it are – and how much it’s worth fighting for.

Nature has also created some difficult times for you. Would you mind describing how Hurricane Katrina affected your life?

Katrina affected my life in more ways than I could possibly describe. Some of the affects were negative and some were positive. My family is now scattered around the US, but my husband and I are closer and stronger because of what we’ve gone through. As you know, Katrina is what brought me here to NC where my life has grown to be full and happy. With regards to my art and photography, Katrina was another wake up call about how irresponsible we can be toward our beautiful Earth and how important it is to keep doing what I’m doing.

You have shown so much courage in spite of circumstances. What has helped give you the motivation and strength to push forward and pursue your dreams?

I feel fortunate that I have the support of my friends, family and husband. They believe in me as much as I believe in my dream and help keep me moving forward in my pursuits. I don’t think it’s courage, I think it’s just living life.

Your beautiful photography and your strength in life are inspiring! Who has inspired you?

Some of my favorite modern nature photographers include Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting, Tom Mangleson and Robert Glenn Ketchum…. I could keep going for days on this one. I love reading Thoreau and am also inspired by John Muir. I admire greatly Georgia O’Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz for their art and for their purpose in life. I’ve had several teachers in life, formally and informally including Alison Jones, George Long and Ralph Clevenger who all have and continue to inspire me.

Are there any tips to living a creative life that you’d like to share?

I’d say that you just have to be purposeful. Make time to create and create time to live. Sometimes, take a photo just for yourself – without a camera. Be open to any opportunities that will get you to think outside of the box and challenge your creative self from time to time. Mostly, just enjoy it and be open to the process and development. Photographer pun intended J.

Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing your inspirational thoughts with us.

“Inspiring Artists!” will be an ongoing series. It will run as long as there are inspiring artists out there wanting to share their stories. If you are an artist and would like to participate please contact me at jhutchins@joyfulartsstudio.com. I would love to hear from you!!