Today’s Tidbits Birthday Girl is local artist Jenn Bianco
I’ll save the soiree for next year – this year it will probably be wine with friends, dinner with my husband, brunch with the kiddos.
How many candles are you blowing out?
Can you ask this?! Ha! 39.
What’s on your birthday wish list?
I have been eyeing these gorgeous rings from LeMel, and would love to eventually stack a few with the birthstones of myself and my family.
You are the owner and artist behind JB Modern Art. When did you know you wanted to become an artist?
I have always been artistic, but I finally allowed myself to pursue it in Q1 2021. I went to dinner with my parents on the night of my first art gallery showing (three months later) and they reminded me of the artistic dreams that I had through high school up until my Master’s graduation. But at that time I needed to be “responsible” and pursue my academic talents first. I had completely suppressed those dreams – Poof! Erased from memory.
Describe your art.
Abstract, complex, striking, gritty and multi-faceted. There are multiple layers of emotion that go into these pieces, and the intense texture hits you by surprise.
At the W Hotel in Austin, TX. Some of my work was suspended from the ceiling on wire, creating an experience where you were basically engulfed in it.
For new collectors or people intimidated by the art collecting process, where do you suggest they start?
Try not to worry about what you “think you should like”, or what “so-and-so” has… if you are drawn to it, then it is worth something to you.
Finish the sentence: Art equals_____.
Vulnerability.
On your painting playlist…
Sia, Beyoncé, NF, Dua Lipa, Carrie Underwood.
In addition to being an artist, you are a CPA. What is your background?
I got my Masters in Tax at The University of Texas. Since then I have specialized in HR and Tax Consulting for global mobility programs. Essentially that means that I help companies with employees working overseas manage them and address the complex challenges associated with that.
Tell us how you use both sides of your brain in your two jobs.
I bring my artistic side to my professional career through creative storytelling in analytics and making a business case for change. I bring my analytical side to the art in approaching this as a full-on business, with goals across market, operations and finance.
What advice would you give someone looking for a creative outlet outside their regular day job?
Don’t hide. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t wait. Don’t think you are being selfish. You are a much better person in all aspects of life when you can be your whole self.
We can find your artwork on display at The Bearded Baker, SheSpace and Julia Wang’s NextGen office – where would you love to see your artwork next?
I am looking for the perfect local restaurant and/or lounge, coffee shop, and a boutique hotel. I am also exploring a few galleries outside of Texas.
Thinking that you need to find the “perfect piece” based on a space you have designed. Plenty of artists (myself included!) will work with you to create what you envision, and you will be so much happier being a part of the process!
First thing you do when you wake up, last thing at night?
After walking my twins to school, I like to go to House Pilates, Black Swan Yoga or F45 in the morning. At night, I am a sucker for a good mind-numbing TV show.
People would be surprised to learn this about me…
I sang the national anthem at my high school sporting events. Singing was my first artistic passion.
What neighborhood do you call home and why do you love it?
Oak Forest. It’s a great community of laid-back, fun-loving people – people that will help you out with more than a cup of sugar. Plus the restaurant/bar/brewery scene continues to grow.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, where will we find you?
Breakfast – Either making my own smoothie or Juiceland
Lunch – True Food Kitchen
Dinner – Plonk, Valencia’s Tex Mex or El Tiempo
Three apps you can’t live without in your job.
Art Rooms, Canva and now QuickBooks (although I coming to this begrudgingly, given my background!).
Podcasts you’re addicted to?
Absolutely Not and The Daily (I hate the news, so this helps me feel/sound halfway informed).
What’s your most memorable birthday celebration ever?
My 30th – we rented out the mezzanine at Hearsay as my first attempt at a snazzy adult party – and while I am not sure we all behaved like adults, it was FUN!
First job ever.
Working the front counter at my father’s car and truck rental business in ATX.
What is your sign and do you identify with it?
Virgo. I am a perfectionist to a fault, hardworking and analytical.
@jbmodernart
Photos: Houston Studio. Want to be the next Tidbits Birthday Girl? Tell us why at submissions-houston@gotidbits.com.