Meet Michigan-based Artist Jennifer Tomshack

Jennifer Tomshack is a contemplative photographer and the artist behind behind Restless Heart Art. She’s also a writer for various Catholic online resources. She is based in St. Joseph, Michigan. You can learn more about Jennifer on Instagram and follow her Etsy store.

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to your current city?

JENNIFER TOMSHACK: I lived in Chicago for 25 years before moving to Southwest Michigan, where I have now lived for six years. I moved because I was looking for a change of pace and lower cost of living, while remaining somewhat close to the city. I was delighted to discover a vibrant artistic community in Southwest Michigan. As soon I arrived in town, I joined a large local artist guild (Berrien Artist Guild), which is based in a 150-year-old former cardboard box factory, now called the Box Factory for the Arts. The building is a historic architectural gem in our city.

The Berrien Artist Guild, founded in 1962, purchased the historic Williams Bros. Paper Box Mfg. building in 1995. This group of enthusiastic artists converted the old factory building into today’s multi-use arts facility known as the Box Factory for the Arts where all the arts are celebrated. Three floors of the 55,000-square-foot art center include artist studios, galleries, a performance stage, classrooms, art shop, meeting space, and more. The Box presents events, classes, and performances centered around the arts and rents studios to artists. Throughout the year, the Gallery Committee reviews and selects regional artists to display their work at the Box. The exhibits, which change every six weeks, are free to the public.

I have exhibited my work at the Box regularly and I have had one solo exhibition. I served on the board of directors and gallery committee there for three years. Last year, my photo "Illumined" was selected by a jury to be featured on the Box's commemorative poster celebrating the 60-year anniversary of the Box.

How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?

I refer to myself as a “contemplative photographer,” which frequently prompts questions about what that means. That gives me an opportunity to explain that I create my art through the lens of my spirituality and to elaborate on the Catholic understanding and practice of contemplation and what it means to adopt a contemplative stance as an artist. For me, creativity, like prayer, is a gift from God. I've always felt that my photos are simply given to me—my part in the process is to open myself up and put myself in a position to receive them. I never set out to become a photographer. I feel that the Spirit moved me, during a very difficult period in my life, to start taking photos—initially to help me cope via a positive and productive activity—and then later to help heal me via encounters with beauty, particularly as my skill for “seeing” developed. I sometimes say that I regard my photographs as “kisses from the Spirit” and “valentines to the Artist”—because art, like prayer, is a love exchange. My hope is that my art will invite viewers to marvel at God's work (I mostly photograph landscapes) and to meditate on the spiritual prompt I give them via the title, reflections, poems, Bible quotes, or saint quotes I include with them.

Jennifer’s photo Illumined was chosen as the promotional photo for her artist guild’s 60th anniversary. (Courtesy of the artist.)

Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

I think they find the faith angle to my art intriguing. I also think art can be a very accessible entry point to faith for anyone.

How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

I think the Church could create more opportunities for artists to exhibit. It can be intimidating to exhibit one's art and to do it in a supportive place might help more beginner artists to have courage. It's so good for the soul to make art--don't worry about if it's good or not, or if people will like it. Just make it, and then maybe you'll feel like sharing it and you'll embolden someone else to do the same. The Church could be involved in building this kind of community. It could be an opportunity for the Church as well to get new people in the door.

Where in your city do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?

I often participate in various gatherings with Abbey of the Arts. It is a “Virtual Monastery & Global Community” that offers retreats and resources “to nourish your inner monk, artist, and pilgrim.”

What is your daily spiritual practice?

I am involved in spiritual companioning within one of my online centering prayer groups. I do centering prayer twice a day for 20 minutes each. It's the most transformative type of prayer I've ever done and I think it's crucial for developing spiritual receptivity as a person and as an artist. I would recommend exploring Contemplative Outreach, which was founded by the famous Trappist monk Fr. Thomas Keating, to learn more and join a group. I also pray a daily rosary, daily Lectio Divina, the Liturgy of the Hours three times a day, and an Examen in the evening.

How do you financially support yourself as an artist?

I support myself not as a photographer, but partly as a Catholic writer and editor for VISION Vocation Guide and VocationNetwork.org, which are print and digital resources for those discerning religious vocations and exploring men’s and women’s religious communities. (Although my photo "Here & Now" will appear in the next issue of VISION in the "Art of Discernment" department.) I also write for a Prepare the Word, a homily preparation service that provides high-quality Sunday, weekday, and seasonal materials for Catholic preachers, as well as leaders of small faith groups, directors of religious education, and adult faith formation committees. And I write for Take Five for Faith: Daily Renewal for Busy Catholics, which are online daily reflections by Catholic authors with Scripture tie-ins that draw on the rich teachings and traditions of Catholicism.

What is your advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?

Relax and let the Spirit lead you.