Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Jenkins.
Hi Elaine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow! I’ve always arted, lol! It really was my favorite subject in school ever since I can remember. At times it was/is therapy. The only time I could be free to express myself as best as I could, and it was ok. Not everyone could relate or understand and often teased me, but I kept going! It wasn’t all good but I did win some awards for my artwork in high school and college and often had work on display. Creating is my happy place! I didn’t know it was what I was supposed to be doing. I even fought the urge a few times, lol. As a freshman in college, I initially majored in accounting because I was advised that’s where the money was. Most days I found myself in the Art department, talking to art students, and quickly realized I don’t want to push numbers for the rest of my life. Ha ha! So, I took a leap and changed my major to Graphic Design so I could maybe make money but still stay close to my art. (Computers were quickly becoming the way of life.) I truly have a heart for fine arts! I loved my art classes! I painted on everything and explored lots of mediums! Fast forward, getting married, consolidating houses all of my artwork was boxed up-thesis and all! I had hoped to put my art on my walls one day! It accidentally got thrown out! (Super sad face) I went in mourning for 10 years. Life happened in that time, had a child, got married, moved around a bit. Then, divorce. I discovered my art again just before moving back home. My sister is my biggest cheerleader and encouraged me to face paint for some of her events. She bought me my first set of professional paints. I did it for free, it was therapy! My happy place! I got good. Then people wanted to hire me. Over the next 10 years, I added a new service and continued to practice, face painting, Henna, belly bumps, airbrush tattoos, canvas work, and paint parties. Somewhere in there, I added the Grinch. Now I’m back in Summerville again, remarried to the same guy I divorced.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Challenges, having to start a business in a new area, self-confidence in my art. When painting on canvas I struggle selling my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Executive Admin during the day. I love helping/assisting but being an Artist is in my soul and keeps me sane from the daily stuff! I love trying different mediums. Learning a technique then seeing what else I can do with it. For example, I learned to do airbrush tattoos then added a 3D glitter element which was gorgeous but it washed off. With the help of another creative who saw what I was doing, figured out how to make it last as long as the tattoo. I started doing it and loved it! I got noticed by my peers the asked to teach. Same thing with the Dutch pour. Learned it then added my own spin. I’m not the greatest at any one thing, I just love experimenting. I guess what I am most proud of is that I am doing what I love, I am creating again. Someone saw my artwork on my table and instantly fell in love with it! It was the first piece I ever sold! I am proud to say I have some artwork in an amazing gallery, The Gullah Art Gallery in Beaufort.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I am the youngest of 6 children. The baby. Lol. I was quiet but I loved my family! I hung out with my siblings from time to time when they had to babysit me. I learned to dance, play softball, tell jokes, cook, work, love, and draw from them. I would get coloring books and crayons and would color for hours! My mom even sat and colored with me a lot! My sister told me recently when I was little, I would follow her around with a pencil and a little sketch pad. Lol! When my mom and brother passed away when I was 12 Art became my therapy!
Contact Info:
- Email: Dabbledydoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: Dabbledy Doo Face Painting, iDabble2
- Facebook: Dabbledy Doo Face Painting, iDabble2
Image Credits
Elaine Jenkins
