An Interview with Jenny Ustick

Earlier this year, I got the amazing opportunity to interview one of my favorite local artists, Jenny Ustick. I have taken many classes with her and she is one of the most inspirational women I know, as well as a jack of all trades. She is a drawing artist, a sculptor, an installation artist, a fiber art and yarn bomber with the Cincinnati Bombshells and also a brewer of delicious craft beer at the Mount Caramel Brewing Company. Below are the interview questions I asked and her answers.



1. Location of your studio

Complicated. My husband and I own a home on a half acre of land, and on that property is a separate building that used to be a tool shed. It's a large shed, so we improved it to have heat and a/c, a couple of windows, and nice French doors. I used it as a studio until moving to Michigan in 2008. When we moved back in 2011, it became a storage area and I haven't done any work in it since. When i do make work at home, it's in my garage or kitchen. This summer, we will clear out the studio and I will begin making work in it again. However, there is a possibility of building another barn, in which case I would work in there. Additionally, because I have done and do so much collaborative work, a lot of the studio work has been completed in the spaces owned or rented by my collaborators.

2. how long have you had this studio?

Small studio on my property: since 2002.



3. why did you get a studio?

Even though my studio changes locations, and when my studio is located on my property, it's good to be able to go to a place separate from your living space in order to really feel like you are at work.


4. How do you financially support your artwork? (Through sales, salary, grants, etc.)

My teaching job here at the university is the primary means of support. In the summers, I work with ArtWorks, and I am essentially commissioned to create public artworks.

5. What are the problems you face in getting your artwork done?

Distractions, tiredness, overextension, sometimes feeling like my creative energy for the day is spent teaching.


6. What do you do to market yourself as an artist?

I have a personal website, and am active on social media platforms.
(View her personal website here)


7. What type of person buys your art?

Often philanthropists or patrons of the arts, supporters of the nonprofits with which I am associated.



8. What are your greatest challenges as an artist?

Distractions, limited time to devote to my solo work, fear and anxiety about money.

9. What are your greatest rewards as an artist?

Sharing what I do with others, with my community. Teaching. Realizing I have many gifts and talents that a lot of folks desire, and enjoying the feeling of artistic alchemy that occurs when I've taken something simple and made something kind of magical or powerful out of it.


10. What recommendations would you give to an artist who is just starting out?

Learn to quiet your self doubt. Don't be like a plastic bag in the wind and just float around with he trends or with every little bit of advice you get. That said, listen to feedback. Consider it--you can use it or reject it, but consider it. It represents what others see in your work. It's important to know how your work is seen, and who your audience is. Then out that through the filter of your intentions. To become a professional artist means that you have made the decision to present your work to the public, and you have to be aware that it will be judged. Wherever, that doesn't mean that you should tailor your work to someone else. Learn how to take rejection gracefully. Be nice to people--they will remember you later. Ask for what you want. There is no fairy godmother waiting to fulfill your every wish. You have to let people know you want an opportunity. Sometimes you have to be aggressive, sometimes you have to be patient.