In this insightful interview, artist Jalena Hay shares her creative journey, the emotional depth behind her layered drawings, and how she balances her art practice with her life as a mother in New York City. Discover how residencies, personal experiences, and bold experimentation have shaped her unique style.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Jalena’s artistic evolution from portraiture to abstraction
2. The influence of personal experiences and heritage on her work
3. The role of residencies in artistic growth
4. Balancing motherhood, full-time work, and art practice

Jalena’s practice is all about taking control of the chaos. Her work layers Pen, Ink, Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil to create intricate compositions that don’t just ask for your attention—they demand it. These compositions evoke a tension between abstraction and emotion, where every mark becomes part of a larger exploration of themes such as impermanence, resilience, and interconnectedness. Jalena Hay was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New York City to study Drawing and Printmaking at Pratt Institute. Her passion for printmaking took her to Amsterdam, where she dove deep into lithography, pushing the boundaries of line, texture and form.

Website: jalenahay.com
IG: @jalena.hay

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