My name is Jennifer Pagan and I see stories. I have seen stories as long as I can remember. Stories in the clouds, in music, in the animals around me or in the wild. Everything has a story and my mind tells them to me constantly. The patterns in a rug or on a tile floor reveal faces and settings. The topography on the mountainside speaks of adventures and hidden secrets.
I paint with words as well as brushes, trying my best to recreate the stories as they were presented to me by my imagination. My work is my attempt to share those stories and secrets so others may see what I see. If they cannot see it, at least they will then understand why I may have to ask them to repeat what they said when I was lost in my imagination.
Animals have always played a key role in my stories, drawings and photographs. Growing up in a rural neighborhood I spent much of my childhood wandering in the ‘wild’ spaces around me, drawing animals, looking for animal tracks and playing the explorer. I made plaster casts and could identify many species by the tracks they left behind. These mystery animals became my companions and the heroes in my stories.
I began taking art classes in the fifth grade and fully embraced my artistic passion. I drew, painted and created every chance I got, creating and crafting out of whatever I found lying around. Because of this, I have an eclectic mix of work and style, utilizing recycled materials as well as conventional canvases.
I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
I have published two children’s books. One of Nez Perce legends (buy it here-> Coyote Tails ) that tells a few of the most beloved and well known legends of the Nez Perce people. All the stories feature Coyote, a hero and mischief maker to many tribes. The book also features the Nez Perce language in a child friendly format. I am currently adding stories to the Coyote series. My second book is called, Elk Eyes and Fireflies (buy it here Elk Eyes ) and tells the story of the reintroduction of elk into the Appalachian mountains, through the eyes of a young bull elk named Tobin.
I live with my three wolf hybrids in western North Carolina. I am a member of the Taino tribe from Puerto Rico and also have Scotts Irish heritage. My heritage and that of the many tribes I have lived and worked with plays a large part in my stories, artwork and photographs as I strive to honor our ancestors and culture through the age old tradition of storytelling.
Many of my illustrations are available printed on a wide variety of products here. If you see something that is not available, please ask and I will do my best to get you exactly what you are looking for.
Gypseasoul Studio 