Meet Jennifer DiArenzo | Professional Pyrographer and Mother of Two

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer DiArenzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in art and nature. Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be some type of artist that focused on wildlife. It was the perfect way to combine my two passions. I went to college at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York for Illustration because I thought that would allow me to follow my artistic pursuits and be able to be a stay-at-home mom, something that became really important to me as I got older and closer to actually being able to start a family. And now, though I may not be illustrating children’s books or animal identification catalogues, like my original goal, I am working in the art field, from home, while raising my two children, and I couldn’t be happier. Putting unique, never-before-seen art into the world is definitely the best motivator for continuing a creative career, and that’s what I try to do everyday.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Pyrography, or the art of burning wood by hand, is in itself, a unique artistic medium that is set apart from others as it is simply not all that well-known in the creative field. So as a pyrographer, I already stand out from the crowd of painters, for example. There are just so many talented artists out there that the market is saturated and five years ago I felt like I was lost. So I actually ended up teaching myself pyrography in order to keep my mind fresh and my hands constantly learning and practicing new techniques. And I am still practicing every day, constantly pushing myself to be one of the best in this field.

The best thing I have done for my art business is to connect with other creators in the same field and even more importantly, in related fields, like wood workers. Collaborations are not only a fun way to get creative juices flowing, but business wise, it allows you to market your work to new audience. I stay true to my brand, my skills, and apply them to the work of another successful creative in order to make pieces that sell, making this endeavor a business and not just a hobby. And the best part is, you can make real lasting friendships along the way.

I take pyrography pet portrait commissions and I still study wildlife and focus on botanical and zoological art in my wood burning work, incorporating those subjects, burned in a hyper realistic style, into fine art woodworking. Though I still love burning on a beautiful slice of wood, being able to collaborate with some of the finest woodworkers in the country, incorporating my work onto heirloom tea and lace boxes, for example, is definitely what makes me the most proud and excited. Creating something that has never been seen before, that is the most rewarding part of this journey for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I live just outside of Philadelphia, PA and even though the city is full of historical sites, like the Liberty Bell, and fantastic spots to eat (you have to have a cheesesteak, it’s like a rule) I much prefer to visit the countryside beyond the city. Valley Forge National Park is a beautiful place to walk, bike ride, and learn about the history of the Revolutionary War, and we are lucky to live close to the mountains of the Poconos for hiking and camping, and to the shores of New Jersey to relax in the sand and enjoy the ocean. In the city and all around the suburbs are some wonderful art museums too. There’s definitely not a lack of things to do around here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my artistic career to my mom and dad and their unwavering support. Many parents would try to dissuade their children from pursuing a job in the arts because of the many uncertainties: income, level of talent and skill, did I mention income? I remember my own high school guidance counselor tried to tell my mom to convince me to pursue another path in the sciences, or writing, or literally anything else. But both of my parents never once tried to talk me out of following my creative dreams. They knew it was part of who I am. They helped me go to a fantastic college in order to make those dreams a reality. And they were so proud of every accomplishment I made along the way. So I would love to dedicate my story to my mom, Debra, and my dad, Greg, who just passed away in February. I wish he was here to read this…

I also couldn’t continue to do what I do without the loving support of my husband of ten years, Michael. He constantly encourages me to not only be the best artist I can be, but also encourages me as a mom of our two sweet babies. I am forever grateful for the blessing that he is to my life.

Instagram: Instagram.com/jendiarenzocreative (@jendiarenzocreative)

Facebook: Facebook.com/jenniferdiarenzocreative (Jennifer DiArenzo Creative)

Other: Etsy: Jendiarenzocreative.etsy.com

Image Credits
Tea Box photos taken by Paul Jasper