In this video I invite you into the multifaceted world of my life as an artist, educator, and family member. I'm joining you from the beautiful landscapes of Northern California, where I have dedicated myself to both my art and the nurturing of other artists as an art educator.

Over the past decade, I've committed to a daily art practice, filling 50 sketchbooks with intricate ink drawings. My art is a reflection of the present moment, often responding intuitively and experimenting drawing and painting. It's a way for me to engage with the world and its ever-evolving events.

Community is at the heart of my artistic journey. I collaborate and document the work of fellow artists, fostering an environment of shared creativity and reflection. In this video, you'll get a glimpse of my time with artists like Nayland Blake and Francis Cape during my stay at the Vermont Studio Center.

My teaching philosophy is hands-on and experiential, inspired by the Fluxus movement. I encourage collaboration, experimentation, and the embrace of anti-capitalistic values among my students. I believe in meeting my students where they are and creating a space for them to explore art as a cultural practice.

Beyond my art and teaching, I am also a dedicated family member and a passionate long-distance hiker. My family and I have trekked over 2000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, spending up to six months outdoors, carrying our own water and shelter. Hiking and drawing are the foundations of my artistic practice, and we build a sense of community along the trail.

Returning from these adventures, I am inspired to translate my wilderness experiences into paintings and installations. Last August, I embarked on a solo journey from Yosemite to Mammoth, crossing the Lyell Glacier to research water. With first-hand experiences of both fire and water, I am equipped to contribute to the critical conversation surrounding climate change.

In this video, you'll see some of my artwork, like the painting of Donahue Pass, inspired by notes from my hike. I cowboy camped (without a tent) under a full moon next to snow-covered Rosalie Lake, later capturing that memory on canvas.

Much of my work is purely abstract, shaped by my outdoor experiences and daily drawing rituals. My paintings incorporate themes related to water concerns, climate change, and the evolving concept of gender identity, highlighting the delicate balance between humanity and the environment.

Join me on this visual journey through my integrated studio practice, teaching philosophy, and my life as a dedicated family member and long-distance hiker. Together, we'll explore the intersections of art, nature, and community, all rooted in the stunning landscapes of the American West.

JEANNE LORENZ

JEANNE LORENZ