Jennifer Woodall is a local commercial and residential artist who decorates interiors and paints fine art, murals, commissioned work and faux painting.
WHO DOES SHE DECORATE FOR?
“Decorative Fabrics. They just opened a third store in Tallahassee. I’ve been doing interior design since I was 19. I help designers come up with treatments.”
ACROSS THE POND
For four years, Woodall lived in Germany, working at Kilehaus Studio. She is returning to Muenster this summer.
WHO REPRESENTS HER WORK?
“I’ve always represented myself. I haven’t even approached a gallery. I’m pretty undiscovered.”
WHERE IS HER WORK ON DISPLAY?
She has a couple of pieces at Gallery L in Independent Square, a few at Blue Buddha in Riverside and several at the Cool Moose Cafe. Woodall participated in Art After Dark last year while simultaneously showing at Brooklyn Arts & Design Center. She has also had some small, private shows in Riverside. “I am working on 30 commissioned pieces. The show I had at Cool Moose was the first time people were talking about me instead of to me.”
HOW LONG HAS SHE BEEN
AN ARTIST?
“Professionally, for 12 years. It’s not about money or prestige. I would do this anyway as a hobby.” Woodall is the art representative at Cool Moose. She will be coordinating shows at the restaurant every other month. “I will be sponsoring talent. The next show will have a Jamaican theme.”
WHAT’S HER FAVORITE MEDIUM?
“Acrylic and oil paintings. They look the same because the way I paint is not very flat. Oil you can go back to, probably the next day, and touch it up. I paint every day.”
She also does glass work.
HOW DOES SHE DECIDE
ON A SUBJECT?
“I’m a very spiritual person. I feel the drive comes from God. He’s blessed me with gifts I need to use. A lot of my work is colorful. I’m inspired by the surreal.”
IS THERE AN UNDERLYING THEME TO HER WORK?
“There’s so many different ideas and themes that I have that it’s not going in one direction.I don’t know why I paint the things that I do. Maybe in 20 years I’ll figure it out.”
WHAT’S HER PHILOSOPHY ON ART?
“I believe to paint like a master, you have to paint like a child — your inside feelings and dreams. It’s a lot more fun than painting a still life.”
HAS SHE WORKED IN OTHER FIELDS?
“I’ve always done other things to supplement my income. I like to be around the energy of other people. Painting is kind of lonely. I love meeting new people; I’m a people person.”
HOMETOWN
“I’ve moved about 20 times but my family is from here so I consider this home.”
She currently resides in the Intracoastal area.
WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL?
Woodall attended Florida Community College at Jacksonville and Jacksonville University prior to moving to Germany. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Florida.
WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT HER WORK?
“Having shows and getting responses about what people like. Every person has a different favorite.”
WHAT’S MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT HER WORK?
“Painting portraits. It’s hard to capture the essence of a person. I don’t like to do that for strangers.”
ANY PET PEEVES?
“Small mindedness and when people try to get something for nothing. It tells me that person is not taking me seriously. Laziness bothers me — people that are not willing to grow. You can continue to learn.
HER FAVORITE THINGS
An admitted “toonhead,“ Woodall loves the Cartoon Network. ”I dream that way so that’s probably why I’m so fascinated with animé.” She’s also into cooking, baking, trying out new restaurants and relaxing on the beach. Her favorite restaurant is Gypsy Cab Company in St. Augustine. Additionally, she is an active member at Crossroad United Methodist Church. Eventually she plans to try sculpting.
HER HERO?
“Paul Ladnier [her professor at UNF]. He’s helped me to see that I don’t need to be afraid of what I’m doing or of making mistakes. With Paul, I went from painting one painting a month to 30 a month. Knowing him helps me to grow as a person. He helps me see the bigger picture. He’s a friend as well as a mentor.”
— by Monica Chamness