Jenn Remick
Jenn Remick, the artist behind The Creative Butterfly, is a 2015 graduate of Pottstown High School. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021, she has moved on to studying for her Master’s degree in Art Therapy at Cedar Crest College.
From a young age Jenn used art as a refuge, a place for self expression with an authenticity and honestly. Feeling emotions deeply art become a portal to enable Jenn to set them free, using blank canvas as her medium as emotional outlet. Believing art has the unique power to engage the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process Jenn plans to use art in her professional to help others. Throughout her pieces the symbol of the butterfly is a reoccurring archetype representing both transformation and rebirth. Jenn’s hope that those who view her art can set their burdens down and find solace in a shared feeling evoked by the imagery.
In addition to The Collective, Jenn’s art has been on exhibit for the 14th annual Hope and Healing Juried Art Show at the Allentown Art Museum. You can find more of Jenn’s art on Facebook and Instagram under the name “The Creative Butterfly.”
The Interval
I have found my journey through life to be distinctively interwoven with grief. To create this piece, I imagined myself in a room that shaped my being. I imagined what it would feel like to be there now, after the winds of time had rearranged the space. By painting this image, I have reclaimed a sacred space that disappeared with the passing of my loved one. The walls are now bare, holding only my memories intertwined with grief and joy. Her light is just beyond my reach, around the corner, for this is our interval: the quiet space between her death and my life still unfolding.
Acrylic on Canvas
Journey into the Unknown
At the age of twelve, I found myself in a physically abusive friendship. This relationship taught me that fighting back only made things worse. Later, as an adolescent, I became trapped in an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship. This trauma has left deep scars on my being that have shaped both how I view myself as well as the world around me. I created this collage at the beginning of my healing journey from abuse. During this time, I was just starting to find my wings, learning to rebuild my sense of self and redefine what safety meant to me. This piece is a symbol of my transformation from victim to survivor, from silence to expression, and from brokenness to wholeness. It is my hope that this image will provide anyone who views it with a sense of courage and hope for what lies ahead of us beyond the fear and shame.
Digital Collage
In the Light of Dawn
“In the Light of Dawn”
I packed my suitcase
bought a one-way ticket
attempted to escape
my thoughts – they’re wicked.
I thought I needed
a new beginning
thought the distance
might erase me –
but I couldn’t save me.
I unpacked my suitcase
poured out the artifacts
studied my heartache
my memories – they’re haunted.
I squished and mushed the pain
transformed my soul
in the canvas portal
screamed “RELEASE ME” –
but I couldn’t free me.
I left behind my suitcase
met my demons head on
embraced the scars
I’d carried so long.
In the light of a new dawn,
I walked myself home.
Acrylic on Canvas/Poetry
Addictional Impact
Addictional Impact My partner, Matthew R. and I collaborated to bring this piece to life. Although I am the artist this piece represents Matt’s emotional journey throughout his life experiencing being raised by addicts and feeling as though their time would expire at any moment. Matthew R’s collaboration statement: “To be the child of an addict is to be forcefully unaware of what the future holds. Always feeling as though the time you have with them is borrowed while you are watching them spiral out of control. Feeling the need to try to come. Up with ideas to help but knowing that there is nothing that can be done. Those feelings are what are depicted within this piece. To be raised by addicts is a life sentence of anxiety, helplessness, stress, anger, and of feeling like you are running out of time. Never truly knowing what it is to be secure or safe all the while wondering why they choose their vices over their own children.”
Mixed Media, Acrylic
Shattered in Shame
Shattered in Shame I made this piece as I was processing the role of shame in keeping those who have experienced trauma locked in silence. Overwhelming feelings of guilt, fear, and unworthiness can keep us trapped in a cycle of shame. These patterns in addiction are an obstacle to recovery. To combat shame, Ann Voskamp states: “Shame dies when stories are told in safe places
Collage
