About the Artist

I met Jen when we were both students at a Catholic girls boarding school, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, near Pasadena, CA. Jen was a senior and I was a sophomore; I admired her greatly for her liveliness, humor and goodness. Here is how our yearbook described Jen in her Senior year:

"Jennie has set an example of Americanism for her classmates as well as much of the world. Through "Sing-Out" she has shown what the real American teenager is all about, bringing to Flintridge ideals to create a new and free generation."

Jen was a hero to me then and her example made an impact on me that has resounded throughout my life. I am sure she doesn't believe whatI just said, but her behavior was exactly what an angry, confused 15 year old teen needed to see at that point in her life. For me, Jen will always be a person who truly made a difference simply by existing in my world at a critical time when positive role models were important.

In the present, Jen continues to be a good influence on me. She is my e-mail buddy and I can tell her anything and she is always full of good advice. Thanks to Jen, I now see a chiropractor, listen to Thich Nhat Hanh tapes that encourage me to live mindfully in the present moment and consider my diet more. ("consider" being the operative word!) Jen's friendship is a gift that sheds a bright light in my life.

I am grateful to Jen for allowing me to use her paintings on this web site. It may interest you to know that she does not sell her art work. I am in proud possession of a book she published for a college project titled Alluring Red Shoes. It is a book of her poetry and her paintings. In this book, Jen described her work as follows:

"In all of my paintings, the method I use is similar to stream of consciousness writing. I have no conscious agenda as to the final product. I just start painting by picking out a color that feels right, and I place my brush in the same fashion. I try to limit any expectations regarding the end result. It has all been an exercise for me to develop a greater connection with the unconscious or creative side of myself."

It is clear to me that Jen achieved her goal in connecting with the creative side of herself. Again, she sets a good example for me and all of us who attempt to touch that "indefinable, inner part" of ourselves. I rejoice at the opportunity to share the gift of Jen's art work with you. Please feel free to e-mail me using the link below if you would like to comment on her work. I will forward these e-mails to Jen.

Bonnie Drumwright's ePortfolio

About the Artist

Jennifer Dorn Bodaken