Bold STROKES

The colourful works of artist Jen Sievers' have collected a loyal and adoring following

- Text Bryony Ammonds-Smith

If you’re a fan of New Zealand art, chances are you’ve already seen Jen Sievers’ abstract landscapes. From Bukit Cinta in Bali to Matauri Bay in Northland, her paintings take you around the globe in pastel hues. She carefully balances nature, abstract and colour throughout her portfolio. It’s no wonder her art is coveted by so many.

Tell us about your creative journey. I always wanted to be an artist. In my teens, sensible and well-meaning adults convinced me that being an artist wasn’t really a job and that I should head towards graphic design. I always dabbled in creativity outside of work. I was really into film photography and even had a small solo show in Napier. Later, I started a small business refurbishing old wooden furniture with bright colours.

Fast forward a few years, I was a new mum, still working in advertising agencies, and feeling a lack of meaning in my work. My daughter went down for a nap one afternoon and I felt an overwhelming urge to paint. I grabbed a piece of ply from the garage and started painting. After two hours of painting, I realised that this was going to be my new life’s purpose. I could feel it so deeply in my heart that nothing was going to stop me.

For a few years, I worked in my day job four days a week, had a young child, and in the evenings and on weekends I painted non-stop, developing my style. About five years in, I was able to quit my “normal” job and focus on my art full-time.