Meet Jennifer Orkin Lewis | Artist/teacher/author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Orkin Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity. I work hard to stay very true to myself and my art. It’s very important to me to make work that is meaningful to me without worrying about what the end goal might be. This has worked well for me in my brand because people come to me for what I have to offer and not what I think they will like. It means that I enjoy the projects I do which then makes the end project very original to me. It has helped me become a better artist and teacher because I have developed clear style and vision. My focus is building a body of work that makes me happy to create and that inspires others. I also am not fearful of trying new things seeing where that may lead.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My paintings are loose, a bit wonky in a representational way and filled with color. My first project that I did to start me on this path was a daily painting in my sketchbook that I started in 2014. I kept it up for 6 years. Now I paint most days but don’t hold myself to that strict standard. I made rules for myself about the paintings, a 30 minute limit, I had to at least make a mark on the page, even if I was very busy or sick. I started with a cheap sketchbook that wouldn’t feel precious so I could just do this. I posted everyday to Instagram whether I liked the work or not. This kept me accountable. I was noticed and have since had amazing licensing deals, with companies like Anthropologie, I have 3 journal books on how to draw everyday with Abrams Books, I teach and I still explore. I’ve learned that I have discipline and that if I make work that speaks to me others will find it compelling to them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in New York City so there are endless amazing things to do. I hope this visit is in warm weather so we could just walk for miles and see the people and the neighborhoods. We would visit the Met and MOMA or other museums and galleries depending on what shows are up at the time, We would walk around Central Park, and go to Dumbo after a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Early morning on the High Line before the crowds. We would eat at my brothers restaurant Ivan Ramen on the lower east side. a 4:30 dinner at Via Corota in the village is a very lovely thing to do. Any later and you can’t get in. I love wandering and finding an awesome street musician and just sitting down and drawing. In fact I like to sit in any little park and just people watch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gayle Kabaker my friend and co-teacher. We work together in a perfect ying yang.

Website: https://www.augustwren.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferorkinlewis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Augustwren/

Image Credits
The photo of me should credit Claire MacIntyre All the rest is Jennifer Orkin Lewis/Augustwren