Jenna Chew is an up-and-coming young artist who is making an impression in the Richmond art world. She draws inspiration from works of literature as disparate as cyberpunk science fiction and biographies of historical figures, as well as from her favorite haunts around the city. Recently graduated from VCU, she’s already had her work shown at Ghostprint Gallery--Shapes Not Ours, her show with fellow Richmond artist Crystal Cregge, appeared there in August 2011. She’s also done freelance illustration work for high-profile clients like Capital One and the National Press Club. She may question in the following interview whether her work stands out in her field, but one look at the artwork on these pages should make clear what the answer to that question is.
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How long has it been since you decided to take art seriously?
My principal struggle has been in learning to take the arts with anything less than grim-faced seriousness. I'm sure I've collected a few instructors along the way, from first grade on, who would love to tell you stories about the-frowning-kid-who-draws-all-the-time. It wasn't until I threw up my hands in my last few years of college and tightened my vision down to a few key goals that things really began to move. It's been a wild, but extremely rewarding, ride.
In a crowded field with so many talented people, how do you stand out?
I'm not sure I do. I think it's important to do what you love, and then work from there. Cultivating a unique voice can be crucial, especially in an over-saturated commercial market, but potentially beside the point. I'm still working it out.
What do you look to for ideas and inspiration?
There's nothing like a good walkabout to get my brain in motion. Throw in a little overseas travel, some NPR, and good company for flavor. Love to learn, learn to look. Above all, read everything you can. William Gibson is a fantastic author, but so is Kipling. Failing that, have a beer and settle into McLuhan's Understanding Media. Don't get discouraged.
What are you are constantly working to get better at?
There's still so much I'd like to be able to accomplish on a technical level, especially when it comes to skillful use of traditional media. Right now, nothing grabs me more than a luscious, oil-laden Munch or the expert design of Vuillard.
