Art is a pilgrimage of identity. An artist is a person who lives on the frontiers of creative expression. More than a producer of aesthetic objects, the artist’s life exemplifies personal growth and transformation.

In this three-part interview with artist Jerry Wennstrom, I ask him to explore the frontiers of creative expression. What follows is a remarkable story of one artist’s journey through a remarkable transformation.

Background: Jerry Wennstrom

Jerry Wennstrom is an artist, author of The Inspired Heart: An Artist’s Journey of Transformation (book and audiobook) and subject of Parabola and Sentient Publications documentary videos, “In the Hands of Alchemy” and “Studio Dialogue.”

He lectures and offers film presentations internationally and has written monthly articles for Inferential Focus, a New York City think tank and consulting firm for 4 years. Many of his articles are featured in Mythic Journeys. Jerry’s art is featured in the film, also entitled Mythic Journeys Documentary (feature length film).

His unusual life story is currently being made into a feature film by award-winning Danish filmmaker Hans Fabian Wullenweber.

Jerry is an annual lecturer at Pacifica Graduate Institute. (See video here). The tower that Jerry built on his Whidbey Island, Washington property and his life’s story is featured in the book, Holy Personal by Laura Chester.

In 1979 Jerry Wennstrom was a rising star in the New York art world when he let go of his identity as an artist by intentionally destroying his large body of art and giving away his money and all of his possessions. With this leap of faith he embarked on a fifteen-year journey listening, seeking, relying on intuition and unconditional trust to guide and provide for him.

Jerry currently lives with his wife Marilyn Strong on Whidbey Island Washington and has created a large new body of art. (Parabola Magazine)

An Artist’s Journey Series

[Return to Frontier 3: Spirit]