Janna's Journey
Where Art, Light, & Story Begin
Hello again! Welcome to my creative journal — the more personal side of my studio.
This is where I share the real me: witty, curious, and endlessly full of ideas. I’m Jannifer, though most people call me Janna. When I’m in trouble, it’s “JANNIFER!” Honestly, call me whatever feels natural to you. Besides, I’m just glad you’re here.
My Creative Roots
My art began in my private studio, part of a lifelong journey that traces back to Houston’s historic Fifth Ward on Coke Street. My family has deep roots there, spanning sixteen generations — a mix of artists, jazz musicians, and military service.
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My father, a Vietnam veteran and jazz drummer, and my mother, a surgical nurse who assisted in open-heart operations for over two decades, shaped my sense of precision and storytelling. One summer when I was six, everything changed.
Seeing differently, my dad, a gifted artist, handed me a piece of paper with a few incomplete lines and said, “Finish the lines.” That small moment opened a world for me and I’ve been drawing ever since.​
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Living with deafness and retinitis pigmentosa — a genetic condition affecting peripheral and low-light vision — has shaped how I experience the world and how I create. I’ve been legally blind since I was six. I can’t see in the dark or drive at night, but I see details — sometimes more than most. I’m drawn to patterns, shadows, and subtle shifts in color. These challenges have become part of my creative process, sharpening my focus both literally and artistically.
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As I grew older, I faced doubts and isolation, especially navigating a world built for those who could fully see and hear. Art became more than a skill — it became a lifeline. One conversation with my mother helped me understand my place in it all.
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As a teenager, feeling defeated and disconnected, I shared my frustration with her. She listened quietly, then said:
"I’ve seen inside so many hearts, & they all look the same. Every heart is red. We are one people."
That moment changed how I saw myself. I wasn’t broken — I was simply different. And there’s strength in that. My work now reflects a deep sense of connection and human unity, shaped by how I see the world, both internally and externally.
A Journey from Florence to the Bay
A defining summer in Florence changed everything. Immersed in art history and Renaissance architecture, I discovered how light, space, and beauty tell stories. That experience reshaped my creative voice — a visual language I still carry into my work today.
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Later, I studied interior decorating — not to become a decorator, but to understand how people live with art. How a space holds emotion. How color shifts energy.​
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Today, I live and work in Annapolis, Maryland, by the Chesapeake Bay with my husband & three children. I'm surrounded by a supportive, creative community. As my work grows, I’ve had the joy of joining art festivals, meeting collectors, and seeing my art find its place in people’s lives. Those moments continue to inspire me every day.
Where My Art Lives
Each painting finds its place — adding warmth, beauty, and meaning to everyday spaces.
Meet the collectors who’ve brought my work home.
Acrylic on Canvas – Custom Sailing Artwork Rebecca and her husband are passionate about boating and wanted a custom painting that reflected their love for sailing. I designed a vibrant and dynamic composition that captures the movement and spirit of the sea. Completed in two weeks, this painting now hangs in their bedroom, perfectly complementing their coastal decor.
Mixed Media – Pen, Acrylic, Colored Pencils, Ink. Kristin commissioned this piece as a tribute to her great uncle, who wrote the poem depicted in this artwork. I illustrated the poem’s narrative, bringing its words to life through expressive imagery and layered textures. The combination of pen, acrylic, colored pencils, and ink adds depth and emotion to this meaningful family heirloom.
Acrylic on Canvas – "Epping Forest Community" After loving her first painting, Rebecca returned for another commissioned piece, this time representing her beloved Epping Forest community. Using bold acrylic strokes, I infused energy and symbolism into the artwork, capturing the essence of her neighborhood. She was overjoyed with the final piece, which now enhances her home’s decor.
Acrylic on Canvas – Custom Sailing Artwork Rebecca and her husband are passionate about boating and wanted a custom painting that reflected their love for sailing. I designed a vibrant and dynamic composition that captures the movement and spirit of the sea. Completed in two weeks, this painting now hangs in their bedroom, perfectly complementing their coastal decor.
Explore the Collection
Original paintings and limited edition pieces available directly from the studio.
