How Jenna Deibel’s Bold Art Captures the Strength and Stories of Women

Jenna Deibel is a mixed-media artist whose work beautifully captures the strength and complexity of being a woman. In this interview, she shares her journey of finding her voice as an artist, inspired by the challenges and joys of motherhood. Jenna talks about her creative process, the stories behind her most meaningful pieces, and how she overcame self-doubt to pursue her dream. She also shares how art has become a way to connect with her children, her community, and herself. Through Jenna’s words, we see how art can heal, empower, and spark important conversations about identity, resilience, and self-expression.

Jenna Deibel is a mixed media artist born in Tucson, Arizona, with a degree in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University. After relocating to Pennsylvania and becoming a mother, she began experimenting with various art mediums, drawing inspiration from her children’s creative play. Now based in Fort Moore, Georgia, Jenna’s work explores the strength and complexity of female identity, blending intuitive layers and techniques. In 2023, she launched Jenna Deibel Studios, gaining recognition for her murals, custom signage, and her 2024 participation in the exhibition Beyond Go Figure V at the Bo Bartlett Center. Jenna’s art has been featured in publications AQ Volume 3 and Arts to Hearts Studio Visit Volume 4, she has also been a repeat guest on the Colour Me Happy podcast. As a military wife, Jenna intends to create murals in each city they live and draw influence from the cultures and women of her future communities. Her work will continue to reach deeper into the study of female identity and what it means to be a WOMXN.

1. How would you describe your art style and what inspired you to become an artist?

My art is a reflection of myself and how I perceive the world. It is raw, colorful, and created from emotion. My husband often says I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I see my art as an extension of that. I have been drawn to art since childhood, but it was always seen as a hobby in my upbringing. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I chose to believe in myself and invest in transforming my talent into a skill. Motherhood brought a flood of emotions, from the profound changes in my body to the shifts in my identity and self-discovery. These feelings poured onto the canvas, and they continue to fuel my work today.

I am driven to reflect the fierce resilience and boundless power of the female spirit, challenging societal limitations through my work.

Jenna Deibel

2. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

The piece that will always hold a special place in my heart is *Marsha*. This canvas evolved over the course of a year, undergoing countless transformations. My son painted on it repeatedly, and together we would spray it with water, scrape away layers of paint to reveal stains and shapes, and start anew. Eventually, the canvas hung untouched in my studio until one day during lunch with my 4-year-old son. As we ate, a transgender woman walked by, sparking a conversation about identity, gender, love, and acceptance. That moment made me reflect deeply on the importance of creating space for my children’s questions, fostering open conversations, teaching acceptance from a young age, and ensuring they feel safe to be whoever they are. Inspired by this dialogue, I collaborated with my son and daughter to create *Marsha*. This piece not only strengthened our connection but also represents a hope to inspire meaningful conversations among those who view it.

3. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?

The greatest challenges I’ve faced as an artist have been internal doubts and feelings of inadequacy. For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling lost and unsure about my goals and whether I could achieve them. There were moments when I wanted to quit, yet I always felt incomplete without art. So, I kept returning to the studio. With time, I began to overcome these doubts. The more I created, the more I learned about myself. As I grew outside the studio, I became more confident within it. I started to uncover what truly mattered to me and what I wanted my work to represent—depth, meaning, empowerment, and the ability to spark important, even uncomfortable, conversations. I realized I wanted my art to create spaces where women can relate, feel empowered by their bodies and abilities, and embrace their strength. This journey of self-discovery not only helped me find my voice as an artist but also allowed me to overcome my doubts and truly believe in myself.

4. How do you approach collaboration with other artists or creatives?

I absolutely love collaborating with other artists, especially women. There’s so much support, sharing, and learning that comes from leaning into these creative partnerships. Currently, I’m working with a female photographer to host an International Women’s Day gallery exhibition and vendor fair in Columbus, GA. We are thrilled to create a platform that amplifies women’s voices, celebrates their achievements, and fosters meaningful connections. By bringing together art, commerce, and community, we hope to inspire, empower, and shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women.

My work is a testament to the fluidity between my role as a mother and my identity as an artist, reflecting the evolving and often unplanned narratives of my life and the lives of women everywhere.

Jenna Deibel

5. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your art journey?

It has been incredibly rewarding to witness my growth as an artist and know that I made this happen. Even when I wanted to quit, I didn’t, and each day I take another step toward living my dream. The most fulfilling part of this journey has been showing my children that you don’t give up when things get tough or scary. You don’t throw in the towel—you believe in yourself and keep going. Every accomplishment, whether it’s a publication, a sale, a feature, or simply completing a painting I’m proud of, feels even more meaningful knowing my kids are watching. They’re looking up to me as I chase this dream, and their pride in me fills me with immense joy. The pride I feel every time I step into my studio fuels my passion to keep creating and believing in myself.

Jenna’s art is more than just colors on a canvas—it’s a reflection of her life, her resilience, and her passion for celebrating women. Her story reminds us that even in life’s messiest moments, there’s beauty to be found and shared. To learn more about Jenna, visit the links below.