Jeni Follman

Jeni was born in Mill Valley, California across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. She later moved down to Santa Monica, CA and attended SMASH, an alternative school near Venice Beach. At the age of eight, Follman moved to a small town outside Munich, Germany.

While attending Munich International School, Jeni was taught in both German and English as her primary languages. Growing up in Germany gave her unique access to master works from the classical world to modern art.

Follman returned to the United States to attend college, earning dual BAs in Liberal Studies and Studio Art from Sonoma State University. She later worked with the Peace Corps in Bukhara, Uzbekistan where she became familiar with the art and culture of ancient institutions like the Silk and Spice Road. After the Peace Corps Follman returned to the States and now lives in Upstate New York and has been painting since 2021.

Artist Statement

The curves and contours of the earth, sky, and human world in general are insatiably seductive to me. It is as if every layer of the visual world drives me to pick up a paintbrush, a stark white, smooth, blank canvas or board and begin to develop a new painting. Since I was five years old I have wanted to do two things in life — be a mother and be an artist. Now, when I go into my studio to paint, I experience a sense of letting go, of being able to love my work. I start with a naked surface and absolutely no idea of what I’m about to work on. I choose my first color and begin. I experiment with shape and form letting the painting evolve.

During the development of a painting, landscapes, vases with flowers, portraits of people all find their way onto my painting surface. It’s like beginning with no clothes on and painting until I’m fully dressed.

Jeni Follman: Between Light and Memory
Jan 07, 2026 to Jan 31, 2026   9:30am to 5:00pm
Artist : Jeni Follman