It’s never too late to make a you-turn.

Jen Monteleone, Artist

I’m in the middle of an epic transformation in midlife. Call it a gift from the pandemic or a spiritual awakening, but after 50+ years of life, I’m finally finding me. I’ve named it my “you-turn,” and am leaning into my authenticity, what lifts up my soul, and makes me happy. The practice of art brings my life into balance. It allows me to let go of perfection, embrace the now, honor what comes through, and find joy.

My Art Practice

I consider myself an intuitive artist. That means I don’t have a plan when I begin a new work. I activate the canvas or paper with written intentions - what am I feeling, what do I need to release, what do I need to celebrate, how is my body feeling, how do I want to show up in this moment - and from there things unfold. I evolve alongside my work. Most days I find myself stumbling onto a new technique or a mixed color combo that uncovers more curiosity and self-discovery. I hope my work provides a sense of comfort, healing, wonder, and peace.

“All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us that we are all more alike than we are unalike.”

- Maya Angelou