If you could dream anything and put it into a story book you would imagine something that looks just like what Jenny Dale from Jenny Dale Designs has brought to life. Her unreal paintings showcase beautiful pops of color and soft lines. Welcome to a fairytale – done right here in YYC.
JENNY DALE DESIGNS – Jennifer
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
I am an artist, and educator, and a mother to two beautiful boys. I create whimsical artwork for children’s rooms and nurseries, and I write poetry to accompany each of my paintings. I also teach art as an Artist in Residence to schools in Calgary and Foothills.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
I started Jenny Dale Designs in January of 2013.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember, and I have spent my entire professional life working with children. I went on my first maternity leave from teaching in 2012, and although I loved my job as a kindergarten teacher, part of me always wondered, What if I just took a year of my life and focused all of my energy into creating art? What would happen? I couldn’t ignore my passion any longer and, while I was still on leave, I decided to take the leap and I begin painting again….and I haven’t stopped since!
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Childhood is my biggest inspiration. I am inspired by my own childhood memories and by the children I work with as an educator. My own children, of course, are my biggest inspiration. I credit them for opening my heart and for the ability to share a sense of love in all of my paintings.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I am currently working of a few picture book ideas, and I would love to find a way to merge my teaching with my art and my writing. I feel like books are the perfect way to do that, but I know I have a lot to learn when it comes to publishing and marketing books. Nonetheless I think that when you have a passion for something, you need to follow it!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
Right now it is Instagram…especially since they’ve added Instagram stories. It is a very visual platform, and like that I can show a more honest side of myself through the stories. Facebook is definitely a close second. It’s great for sharing both my Art Residency work and my own artwork.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
I believe that nature heals everything. If I’m ever feeling down or overwhelmed, I take myself for a walk by the river or a hike in the mountains. It works every time!
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I used to have a zucchini as a doll. I’m not even joking…a real zucchini! I dressed her in doll clothes and made a bed for her. Her name was Zuzanna. When she eventually turned yellow and soft, I took her seeds and planted them. Then the following year I’d play with one of her babies. I think this went on for at least 3 years!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
When I was younger I wanted to have a magic paintbrush like that Painter Smurf had. One swoop of the paintbrush and he could create a masterpiece. Now I don’t mind the time and the struggle inherent in my work. I think I’d opt for super-cleaning powers instead (I’ve already got super mess-making powers).
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES?
Instagram Jenny Dale Designs\
Instagram Art Residencies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyDaleDesigns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennydaledesign
Website: http://www.jennydaledesigns.com
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
My prints and original paintings are available through my online shop: http://shop.jennydaledesigns.com
Or visit my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyDaleDesigns
I participate in shows in Calgary throughout the year. You can usually find me at a Curated (formally Vixens of Vintage) show. I list my upcoming shows on my website at http://www.jennydaledesigns.com/upcoming-shows-and-festivals/
I have original paintings and prints for sale at the Okotoks Art Gallery. The Whimsy Nook in Calgary has a selection of my prints, as does Whimsy and Kind in Milton, ON.