Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Catskill/New York
Websites: https://www.jenna-petrone.com/
https://www.jennapetronephoto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjp_/?locale=es_ES

Jenna’s work depicts relationships, individuality, and meditations on light and interiors through various photographic narratives.

Jenna received her MFA in photography from Parsons School of Design in 2018 and her BFA in Studio Art with specializations in photography and arts management from Cazenovia College in 2013. Jenna has participated in several international exhibitions, including; "Donald M. Robinson Photography Biennial," at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona, PA, “NOW” at the Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries in New York City, and "Future Projections" at the India Photo Festival in Hyderabad, India. Additionally, her work has been published in the book, “The Year Time Stopped: The Global Pandemic in Photos.”

Jenna is now the co-founder and COO of The House of Heart, a creative studio and artist hub. With this platform, she and her wife create an inclusive space for up-and-coming creatives to unite and nurture their talents.

Ice Breaker: Your work explores themes of relationships, individuality, and light within domestic spaces. What draws you to these subjects, and how do you approach capturing them through your photographic narratives? 

This question brings me back to when I started obsessively photographing my friends in middle/high school - I captured moments of hanging out and just existing in the world. I captured our beautiful friendships growing more robust over time. These images were by no means good, but my instinct to photograph was because of my relationships and wanting them to last forever, to prove that we were there (and to be honest, to post entire albums of our hangs on Facebook). In college, I had my first opportunity to learn darkroom photography and how to be more intentional with my camera. It was then that I fell in love with light and how it dances across spaces. I also overcame my fear of taking photos of myself and created a project that told a personal story of grief (SHE, 2013).

My love for domestic spaces came at a later time when I moved to Brooklyn in 2014. I quickly learned how transient homes felt in New York City, moving once every year or so. It was also a time to reflect on all the spaces I called home. With events like my parents getting divorced, moving to college, moving to Rochester, and my many moves in the city, I became attached to what space meant to those who resided in it. How do they curate it to match their personality? What traces do they leave behind? I'm working on a project about this now - the space my wife and I reside in, our first house in a small town. 

Your photography has garnered widespread recognition, from participating in international exhibitions to being published in significant works like “The Year Time Stopped: The Global Pandemic in Photos.” How has this journey shaped your perspective on photography as an artistic expression?

Oh my goodness - you just made me sound like an accomplished artist! I feel like my journey is relatable to those who choose to obtain two degrees in photography - I am humbled to receive so many opportunities to exhibit my work through the connections I made during undergrad and grad school. Lately, I've been working on projects related to queer identity, and now more than ever, I believe photography is essential to amplifying the voices of our community. We need to be seen, and our stories need to be heard - I love using my platform to do that.

Questions like yours, deep reflection, and reminding myself of what I have accomplished in the past made me want to take myself more seriously as an artist this year. Photography will always be my medium of choice, but I am also learning how to be more expressive with words and painting. I am excited to see where I end up next. 

As the co-founder and COO of The House of Heart, you've created a space for emerging creatives to thrive. What inspired you to establish this platform, and what impact do you hope it will have on the artistic community?

Yes! We are still a work in progress as our little creative agency is still up and coming. During the pandemic's beginning, my partner Hala (now wife) and I realized that we could combine our talents to run a business together. Hala is an illustrator, graphic designer, and strategist, and I am (obviously) a photographer and project manager. We made a great team, but we also knew that when we were ready, we would like to expand the team to include other voices and talents! In the meantime, we are selling prints, working on small client projects, and working with the community on projects (like a pride exhibit in Catskill - stay tuned! :) 

Your educational background includes an MFA in photography from Parsons School of Design and a BFA in Studio Art from Cazenovia College. How have these experiences influenced your artistic style and approach to photography?

Honestly, I don't know where I would be without the influence of my education - I truly needed the structure and discipline to help me grow! At Cazenovia, I learned all of the technical skills of photography and had the best professors and friends to support me every step. I was also given a lot of space to play and make mistakes, which helped me shape my visual style (SHE, 2013 & Home, 2013-2016).

In graduate school, I had a fantastic cohort, and we all held each other accountable - I learned how to work fast and apply research to my practice. I also had access to great equipment I didn't have the chance to experiment with during college.

Being based in Catskill, NY, how does the local environment and community inspire or influence your creative process and the themes you explore in your work?

I'm very inspired by my house right now - Hala and I have created a sanctuary, and I love how our personalities are present. I also love watching the light and our movements dance throughout the space during the day. This is what my new project is about; it's called "The House is Gay Because of Us."

The nature surrounding us is very comforting—I feel like we are being hugged by the mountains. It's good for my mental health, which in turn is good for my artistic practice. 

Fuck, Marry, Fear = Adrianna Franch, Megan Rapinoe, Christen Press

I am about to be shunned by my community, but I don't follow women’s soccer!! I follow Megan on Instagram for selfish reasons - she's a babe.

I am VERY bad at knowing famous folks - however, Vico Ortiz all the way!

Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Recognize that work-life balance is not always about equal time allocation but rather finding a rhythm that works for you. Embrace flexibility in your schedule and be open to adjusting your priorities based on what feels most important in the moment.

Article of the week

Cultivating Creativity: 5 Exercises to Spark Inspiration

Creativity is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, fueling innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression. However, even the most creative minds can sometimes find themselves in need of a spark of inspiration. Fortunately, there are exercises that can help reignite creativity and unleash a flood of new ideas. In this article, we'll explore five exercises designed to cultivate creativity and fuel inspiration for queer entrepreneurs.

1. Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a powerful technique for visually organizing thoughts and ideas. Start by writing down a central theme or problem in the center of a blank page, then branch out with related concepts and associations. This exercise can help queer entrepreneurs explore connections, identify patterns, and generate fresh insights to inspire their work.

2. Stream-of-Consciousness Writing: Set aside dedicated time for stream-of-consciousness writing, allowing thoughts to flow freely without judgment or censorship. Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write continuously for a set period, focusing on capturing whatever comes to mind. This exercise can unlock hidden thoughts, spark creative connections, and provide valuable material for future projects.

3. Visual Collage: Create a visual collage by gathering images, words, and objects that resonate with you and arranging them on a board or canvas. Use magazines, newspapers, photographs, and found objects to build a collage that reflects your interests, passions, and aspirations. This exercise can stimulate the imagination, evoke emotions, and inspire new ideas for your entrepreneurial ventures.

4. Role Reversal: Step into the shoes of someone else—a historical figure, fictional character, or even a friend or colleague—and imagine how they would approach your current challenges or projects. Adopting a different perspective can provide fresh insights, challenge assumptions, and inspire innovative solutions to problems. This exercise encourages empathy, flexibility, and creative thinking.

5. Sensory Exploration: Engage your senses in a sensory exploration exercise, immersing yourself in different environments, textures, sounds, and smells. Take a walk in nature, visit a museum, or simply spend time observing the world around you with heightened awareness. This exercise can stimulate creativity, trigger memories, and inspire new ideas by tapping into your sensory experiences.

Cultivating creativity is essential for queer entrepreneurs seeking to innovate, express themselves, and make an impact in the world. By incorporating these five exercises into your routine, you can spark inspiration, overcome creative blocks, and unleash your full creative potential as an entrepreneur.

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

Many cities and regions have LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce, which provide networking opportunities, business resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses. These chambers offer a supportive community and access to valuable resources tailored to the needs of queer entrepreneurs. Adjunct is the NYC site, for example!

Craving free goodies? Of course you are... 🎁 🎁 🎁 

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