Jenan McClain
An inherent passion of Jenan’s since childhood, her painting flourished following a series of life changing events 2 years ago, enabling her to tap into the intuitive process behind the brush. Attending the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, SC through high school, and under the mentorship of talent Jim Campbell, she first experienced the beautiful beginnings of meditative creation. Much of her work centers around the maternal in nature: marshes as mothers of the sea, flowers as the divine feminine, and the nude floral female figures-expressions of female fragility and strength.
Always drawn to the water, Jenan attended the College of Charleston and relished in the beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings of the holy city. She completed her studies at Clemson University, started a career in finance, and began a 7 year journey abroad working in international real estate marketing and sales.
While working and living in the Caribbean she spent the summers creating art programs for local island elementary school children. Throughout her time in Anguilla, St. Lucia, and Jamaica she often found inspiration in her natural surroundings, which governed many of her earlier pieces.
She is moved by the water-the calming yet powerful sustaining life force, universally inherent to all living beings. Her recent body of work is strongly influenced by the surrounding salt marshes and beautiful florals along the SC coast. Many of her titles come from poems she writes -translating an added personal touch to her creations.
Jenan lives in Mount Pleasant, SC with her husband Bryant, eight year old daughter Isla, and mini doodle, Goji. She currently exhibits her work downtown at Ro Sham Beaux, Jahde Leather, and Trager Contemporary on King street.
Her recent features include Skirt magazine, ABC's low country live, and blogger collaborations with Andrea Cerrano(Charleston Shop Curator), Ashley Brown (Sweet Southern Prep), Natalie Mason (Snoop Natty Nat) and Megan Bonner (Pretty in Pink).