More About Me

My birth name is Jeanette Irene Apple but as life can be too short to waste time I shortened it and now I use my initials, Jia.
My daughters and grandchildren are the joy of my life.
Although I did attend Olivet Nazarene University I never finished my degree. I am self-taught as an artist and have privately taught on and off for the past 25 years. I specialize in portraiture and have worked in many mediums. I am privileged to have a portrait hanging in the MIT Library and I also have a solo permanent collection of pen and ink architectural renderings at Olivet University.  I have also created several public works of art in New Mexico and am proud to say that I founded and co-owned Passion Pie Cafe in Truth or Consequences, NM. I ended my ownership after 5 years but they were great years. You can still go there and enjoy yummy treats and excellent coffee but I won't be there ;-) For the past three years I have lead workshops at The Compassionate Friends National Convention (TCF). TCF is an amazing organization supporting parents, grandparents and siblings who are grieving the loss of a child, grandchild or sibling. You can reach them here.
I have created a deck of inspirational cards using my original artwork and you can purchase them here.
You can view my art here.
My attempt at serious writing came when I was on my back for several months due to a life threatening wound inflicted upon me by a doctor (you can read about this in The Tell). The love I have for my family as well as my passion for helping others has lead me to write the story about my life through the eyes of my 14 year old self and then later in The Tell. I must say it has been completely cathartic and has aided me in my healing. I pray these creative works help others too.
I also enjoy singing, and being out in the nature. I currently reside in Colorado.
So there you have it...now you know me.