Jenni Eden
Artistic Statement

When I was very young my passion was to play with colour; to express my emotions through painting; to explore and experiment with vibrant, bold and brave images.

Then I had to grow up and get a ‘proper job’. My spirit began to sink; my passion for life began to fade; my soul became quieter. I felt an underlying sense that I was not using my full potential. Without painting in my life, I attracted discord, frustration and stress.

In 2003 I moved overseas and so had the perfect opportunity to paint again. I started to paint portraits in bold, brave colours, ‘in your face’ faces that captured more than a likeness. My desire to play with colour was reactivated and my spirit began to lift. Within a month of completing my first portrait I was commissioned to paint several more. I started painting camels and scenes from Arabic culture too. These also proved popular and I soon received numerous camel commissions!

I was enjoying my journey back to painting, but I discovered it was much more. By following my passions and dreams I felt complete. It felt right; it was exciting, uplifting and rejuvenating. External forces seemed to be driving me. I remembered an evening in 1986 when I had heard God’s voice at a time when I was very low, both personally and artistically. I was shown dancers in my mind to sketch and I painted them in black ink. In 2006, three years after I had started to paint again, I remembered the dancers. I believe they are God’s chosen image for me.

The dancers show how I feel about painting, about following my dreams and passions. I believe they also show others that you can do whatever it is that makes your soul sing. Once you start to follow your dreams, you will be guided and supported by the Universal energies. Your heart’s desire is there – you just have to reach out and ask. The power of the universe was waiting for me to ask for help, as it waits for everyone. It’s not been easy but the rewards are unbelievable.

I have to paint, I particularly have to paint my dancers as they express my emotions and allow me to once again explore and experiment to produce vibrant, bold and brave images as I had wanted to do at the beginning.