When Art Becomes the Way Back to Who We Really Are| Jess Quinn, Lauren Walker, and Vicki Genberg
Sometimes, the most powerful stories come from those who dare to follow their inner spark, especially when it leads them to a blank canvas. In this feature, we bring together the voices of three remarkable women artists—Jess Quinn, Lauren Walker, and Vicki Genberg—whose creative journeys are as compelling as the art they produce.
Though each artist walks a different path, their stories reveal a shared truth: art is more than just a form of expression—it’s a lifeline, a mirror, and a way to make sense of the world. From Jess’s breathtaking oil paintings that celebrate the intricate beauty of flowers, to Lauren’s emotional rediscovery of her creative voice after a life-changing chapter, to Vicki’s layered exploration of power, presence, and emotion through mixed media, each woman uses her practice to reflect, heal, and inspire.
What we’ve learned from their stories is simple yet profound: creativity thrives when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, stay curious, and follow the thread of what moves you. Their work encourages us to pause, look deeper, and reconnect with nature, with others, and with ourselves.
These are not just artists—they’re storytellers of the soul. Let’s explore how they use art to transform everyday experiences into extraordinary ones.
Jess Quinn: Capturing Nature’s Intimate Whispers in Oil
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Jess Quinn paints flowers as if she’s revealing a secret the natural world has been keeping. Her large-scale oil paintings are lush, vibrant, and meticulously detailed, drawing the viewer in until the veins of petals and the swirl of leaves feel as intimate as a heartbeat.
Jess didn’t always know this would be her path. After years of teaching public school art, she leapt into full-time painting in 2014. Her first solo exhibit 2017 marked a turning point, unlocking a new vision for her career and life. “It was the only goal I had as an artist,” she recalls, “but that experience taught me to dream bigger.”
Her studio at Mainframe Studios—home to over 200 creatives—has become both a sanctuary and a springboard. She balances her love of painting with teaching private and group art lessons, sharing her passion with others.
Jess’s creative process is slow, meditative, and intentional. “Layer by layer, I build my paintings,” she says. “Oil paint lets me create the depth, richness, and detail that define my work.” Through her eyes, a flower isn’t just a flower—it’s an emotional landscape, a reason to pause and reconnect with the overlooked wonders of everyday life. Her hope? That her work inspires others to do just that.
I aim to create a sense of wonder and connection with the beauty in everyday life. My hope is that my art encourages others to slow down and find meaning in the small moments that make up our everyday lives.
To learn more about Jess, click on the links below.
Lauren Walker: Finding “The Artist Within” Through Adversity
Four years ago, Lauren Walker’s life was very different. She was managing her family’s gym in Port Perry, Ontario, deeply involved in fitness and the daily grind of small business. But when a series of personal struggles led to anxiety, depression, and a reassessment of her identity, Lauren found herself picking up a paintbrush—and everything changed.
“I had no idea how powerful art could be,” she shares. “It helped me find myself again.”
Known as “The Artist Within,” Lauren channels her life experiences into vivid, expressive, raw, empowering paintings. Born from vulnerability, her artistic journey has blossomed into a purposeful practice rooted in healing and self-discovery. She trusts her instincts, embraces imperfection, and paints with fearless honesty.
The confidence she gained through years of personal training now fuels her creativity. “I can think on my feet and handle chaotic social situations—skills that surprisingly serve me well as an artist,” she laughs.
Lauren’s mission is clear: inspiring others to unlock their creative potential. Whether through her energetic brushstrokes or upcoming exhibitions, she’s determined to show that transformation through art is not just possible—it’s extraordinary.
The only path to follow is the one you create for yourself.
To learn more about Lauren, visit the links below.
Vicki Genberg: Exploring Power, Emotion, and Identity Across Continents
For Vicki Genberg, art is a deeply intellectual and emotional pursuit. Born in Ohio, but having lived extensively in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and now Malaysia, her work explores cultural fusion, emotional nuance, and the often-unseen power dynamics that shape human relationships.
“I’ve always been fascinated by body language, emotional expression, and the patterns of power in our interactions,” Vicki explains. “These are the threads that run through my work.”
Her creative evolution began with local art classes in Switzerland after a career in educational research. That curiosity led her to the School of Visual Arts in New York, and later, to an MFA in Hong Kong, where she fell in love with the expressive freedom of Chinese ink painting. “I didn’t like the traditional method of copying masters for years,” she admits. “But I found a teacher who encouraged experimental techniques, and it clicked.”
Vicki’s signature style blends ink, oil pastel, and collage—a fusion of East and West that reflects her global journey and personal voice. Nature also plays a quiet but strong role in her art, especially the alpine landscapes of Switzerland that have surrounded her for years.
Her work confronts themes of visibility, identity, and emotional presence, making viewers reflect on how we communicate, relate, and assert ourselves in a complex world. It’s vulnerable, powerful, and deeply human.
Much of my work is intended to communicate relational dynamics through bodies ‘ positions in space, their relative sizes, angles of torsos, legs, arms and heads, and the distance between them.
To learn more about Vicki, click on the links below.
As we wrap up this journey through the creative lives of Jess Quinn, Lauren Walker, and Vicki Genberg, one thing becomes crystal clear: art is not just about what you see—it’s about what you feel, remember, and dare to explore.
Each of these women has invited us into their world, showing how creativity is deeply tied to personal growth, emotional healing, and the joy of rediscovery. Jess shared how she finds poetry in petals and peace in nature’s details. Lauren reminded us that it’s never too late to pick up the brush again and reconnect with the parts of ourselves we may have forgotten. Vicki showed us how art can become a powerful language to express presence, emotion, and strength when words fall short.
From their stories, we’ve learned that the artist’s path isn’t always straightforward but always meaningful. It’s about courage, curiosity, and staying open to where your heart (and hands) want to lead you.
Their journeys are a beautiful reminder that creativity lives in all of us. Sometimes it’s quiet, waiting patiently. Other times, it bursts forth and demands to be seen. Either way, it’s always worth listening to.
Stay tuned to the Women in Arts Network for more stories amplifying diverse, powerful contemporary art voices. Visit our website and follow us on Instagram.
