Rozee Living’s Featured Artist Series - Meet Jenny McGee
In our ongoing effort to showcase the incredible talents of artists who inspire us with their creativity and resilience, Rozee Living is thrilled to introduce Jenny McGee as part of our Featured Artist Series. Jenny McGee's work is a testament to the transformative power of art, reflecting her life experiences and the depth of her personal journey.
The Early Years: From the Philippines to Missouri
Jenny McGee was born in the Philippines in 1978, a place far removed from the Midwestern United States where she would later grow up. Her early years in the Philippines, though brief, left an imprint on her—a sense of connection to a world beyond the familiar. Her family later relocated to Missouri, where Jenny spent her formative years. It was in Missouri that her love for art began to take shape, nurtured by the landscapes and communities around her.
A Life-Changing Journey in El Salvador
Jenny’s path as an artist was significantly shaped by the seven years she spent living in El Salvador. Moving to this vibrant yet complex country as an adult, Jenny found herself in a place where her deepest values and assumptions were continually challenged. The intensity of life in El Salvador, with its rich culture juxtaposed against social and economic struggles, profoundly influenced her worldview. Here, Jenny learned to see the world through different eyes, developing a deep appreciation for the resilience and hope that people can carry even in the most difficult circumstances.
In El Salvador, Jenny’s art began to transform. She found herself drawn to themes of healing and hope, using her brush to explore the emotional and spiritual journeys of those around her. The people she met and the stories she encountered in El Salvador became woven into the fabric of her work, resulting in pieces that resonate with a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
The Art of Healing: Surviving Breast Cancer
Jenny McGee’s life took another pivotal turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The battle with cancer is one that reshapes not only the body but the soul, and for Jenny, it was no different. However, rather than being diminished by the experience, Jenny found a new source of strength and inspiration. Her love of art became a powerful tool for expressing the complex emotions that accompanied her journey through illness and recovery.
Her paintings began to take on new dimensions, filled with vibrant colors and textures that echoed the turbulence and triumph of her experience. For Jenny, art became not just a means of self-expression but a way to communicate the profound beauty and courage found in the human spirit. Her work began to embody the interplay of recovery, resilience, and love, themes that have become central to her artistic vision.
A Family Affair: Life in Clayton, Missouri
Today, Jenny McGee resides in Clayton, Missouri, with her husband David, son Jonathan, and daughter Ema Blue. Her home and studio are filled with the warmth and creativity that define her art. From this space, Jenny continues to create pieces that speak to her unique journey, blending her background in graphic design with her rich experiences in Latin America.
Jenny’s family is an integral part of her life and work. The support and love she receives from them have been a constant source of inspiration. Her children, in particular, have influenced her artistic vision, with their curiosity and innocence providing fresh perspectives that often find their way into her work.
Art in the Public Eye: A Growing Legacy
Jenny McGee’s art has not gone unnoticed. Her paintings have been featured on popular television shows such as HGTV’s House Hunter’s Renovation and Million Dollar Mansions, as well as on PBS’s Making series. These appearances have brought her work into the homes of people across the country, further establishing her as an artist of growing renown.
Her paintings now hang in numerous public and private collections, a testament to the emotional and aesthetic power of her work. Jenny’s increasingly collectible status has attracted a growing list of patrons, including prominent figures and organizations. Among her clients are HGTV designers, the Group President of Estée Lauder and Clinique, Charter Communications, Central Bank, Sigfreid Bingham Law Firm, Midwest Transplant Network, and private residents from the Jersey Shore to Wall Street.
Commissioned Art: Personal Stories Brought to Life
One of the most special aspects of Jenny McGee’s work is her ability to create commissioned paintings that capture the essence of her clients’ lives. A commissioned piece by Jenny is more than just a work of art; it is a narrative told through her hands, a special memory or aspect of history brought to life through texture and color. Each commission is a collaborative process, where Jenny works closely with her clients to understand their stories and translate them into a visual legacy that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Jenny has open spots for commissions in 2024, and she is excited to work with new clients who are looking to create something truly unique. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a significant life event, or a deeply personal story, Jenny’s commissioned paintings offer a way to preserve these moments in a form that is both beautiful and meaningful.
A Journey Through Design: From New York to Global Organizations
Before dedicating herself fully to painting, Jenny McGee’s career began in the field of graphic design. She had the opportunity to design for one of the nation’s top illustrators and designers, Mirko Ilić, in New York City at the renowned Milton Glaser building. This experience not only honed her design skills but also exposed her to the creative energy of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Jenny’s work has been published in PRINT magazine, and she has developed a passion for helping clients with logos, print, and digital media. Her talents as a designer have been recognized through various accolades, including winning the city of Columbia's commemorative poster contest.
She has designed collateral for global organizations like ENLACE, CHF International, and Big Tree Medical, creating visuals that convey their unique stories and strategies. Jenny’s background as an Art Director has given her a unique perspective on visual storytelling, one that she continues to apply in her current work as a painter.
The Future of Jenny McGee’s Art
As Jenny McGee continues to evolve as an artist, her work remains deeply rooted in the themes that have shaped her life—healing, hope, resilience, and love. Her paintings, whether created for public collections or private commissions, offer viewers a glimpse into the beauty of the human experience.
For those who are fortunate enough to own one of Jenny’s pieces, her art is not just something to be admired; it is a reminder of the strength and grace that resides within us all. Jenny’s journey, from the Philippines to Missouri, from El Salvador to the world stage, is a testament to the power of art to transform lives and connect us to one another in profound and lasting ways.
Contact Jenny McGee Today
If you are interested in adding one of Jenny McGee’s unique, textured, and color-filled paintings to your collection, or if you would like to commission a piece that tells your story, now is the perfect time to reach out. Jenny’s open spots for commissions in 2024 are filling up quickly, and she is eager to bring your vision to life. Visit Jenny McGee’s website here.
If you’d like to connect with Jenny McGee directly, you can find her on social media platforms where she regularly shares updates on her latest work and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date with her newest pieces and art events. For more detailed inquiries, commission requests, or to explore her portfolio further, visit her official website. Jenny is always excited to engage with art enthusiasts and potential clients, and she looks forward to bringing your artistic vision to life.
Art that expresses your love, your journey, and your legacy—this is what Jenny McGee offers. Reach out today and begin the process of creating a work of art that will be cherished for generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Jenny McGee and her inspiring journey as part of our Featured Artists Series. We hope her story and artwork have touched you as deeply as they have us. To stay connected with Rozee Living and discover more creative inspiration, we invite you to follow us Instagram and Facebook. Don’t forget to check out our Etsy Favorites for more unique finds and ideas to enhance your living space. We’re excited to continue sharing the beauty of art and design with you!