Jenie Gao is an artist and printmaker specializing in the mediums of woodcut and ink drawing. Her work focuses on the interdependence of preservation and change. She discusses how the objects we choose to keep and places and images we associate ourselves with act as anchor points in our families, friendships, and relationships. The desire to anchor ourselves in familiarity contrasts with the need to grow amidst inevitably variable surroundings. At the same time, a grounded sense of identity enables further growth, by creating opportunities to connect with others and change along with our environment.
Jenie received her BFA in Printmaking/Drawing from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently lives in Milwaukee, working in art education and leading her own woodcut demonstrations. Within Milwaukee, she has exhibited her artwork at various venues including Cedar Gallery, Dean Jensen Gallery, the Marshall Building in the Third Ward, Caggio, and RedLine Milwaukee. She has shown her work in various parts of the country and has had her work reviewed and featured in publications including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, SGC International’s Graphic Impressions, ArtMail: Milwaukee, The Art List, and Aesthetica Magazine.
She makes an award-winning strawberry rhubarb pie.
In 2007, my 10 year old cousin poured milk and apple juice into an old Sunny Delight Bottle with the claim that he was creating a magical concoction. He drank it, and naturally boasted its deliciousness in an attempt to get others to drink it as well. He convinced no one, but nevertheless beamed with accomplishment. He was a kid with kiddy impulses, who indulged in making no sense, in making things disgusting purely because they were disgusting. He did not fret over "stupid behavior" or the idea of "those things don't go together." The end object was vile, but the act was whimsical, joyous, and beautiful. The process made the pursuit worthwhile.
My cousin and I named this magical beverage Sunny Apple Silk, proud and honest of its origins.