A Journey Through Vision, Beauty, and the Art of Living Wildly Curated with Jennifer Findley
Courtesy of JFiN Collective; photo credit Bauman Commercial
Balancing a curated life, and thriving through intuition and intention: A Q&A with Jennifer Findley
Jennifer Findley founded JFiN Collective, specializing in Post-War Abstraction and Contemporary Art. With extensive advisory experience, she offers tailored services to collectors and institutions, providing premier access. Recognized in the San Diego arts scene, she serves on the boards of two prominent museums. Her expertise extends to international art competitions and speaking engagements, alongside her family roles.
Courtesy of JFiN Collective; photo credit Hannah Jensen
Q: In what ways do you feel you’re most wise?
A: I’m not afraid to push the boundaries and do things “my unique way” with knowledge and precision, but I’m also very reflective, intuitive and empathetic. I think wisdom is making informed choices that feed the essence of yourself. I can often foretell and predict things before they happen. My grandmother was Italian, and a bit superstitious, and she used to say I had the gift of “seeing.” I don’t think I understood what she meant—but now I really embrace my ability “to see.” To see an idea, an insight, another person, etc., and it is what made me a good lawyer, as well as makes me a great art advisor. I may not be able to actually see the future, but I do see the value and beauty in things before others do and am willing to shine a light where others may just pass by without taking a second look.
Q: What brings out the wild in you?
A: Depends on which wild? I wouldn’t say I’m known as the wildest of ones. But I do tend to have a radical or rule-breaking side, and I’m not afraid to be daring or unconventional, and I don’t compromise on my vision. I love creativity and talent and that really excites me and impassions me, but if you mean what brings out my party side—well it’s always Coltrane, Pol Roget Champagne, and some fabulous Italian high heels!
Courtesy of JFiN Collective; photo credit Hannah Jensen
Q: Who inspires you with their wild and wise approach to life?
A: Who inspires me? Strong and interesting women—my Mom, Diana Vreeland, Peggy Guggenheim, Katherine Hepburn, Louise Nevelson, Iris Apfel—so many. But now that I think of it, maybe I need some more inspiration from people still alive!! I really am totally inspired by women that maintained their style, passion, and attention to detail, while being willing to engage in the joy and play that is life throughout their entire existence. I’m also very inspired by kindness! I don’t have any patience for pretentious or haughty people, and when I encounter them, I always wonder why they make life so hard for themselves and others. I mean, what’s the point—just be kind!
Q: How can aspiring visionaries find the right balance between pushing boundaries and drawing from life's lessons?
A: I will say it again and again, the right balance in life is always found in Love! Loving and caring for yourself and loving and caring for other people—it’s as simple as that. For example, I love art and beauty, and live a pretty curated existence, but never at the expense of a person. For me, things don’t come before human beings, ever! But I still insist you look with your eyes, not your hands, and I have been known to gently redirect a curious hand away from a work of art. Maybe that’s the push and pull that makes balance. You should push against the boundaries, but respect others' creativity and don’t ever hurt beauty in the process. And by beauty I don’t mean the ‘pretty things’ in life, I mean the raw inspiration and powerful life-source that dwells in all of us and uniquely manifests externally.
Courtesy of JFiN Collective; photo credit Hannah Jensen
Q: How do you personally define a "curated life," and how has this concept shaped your choices and experiences?
A: A curated life is a life of reflection and awareness. It is the life-practice of intentionality and the ability and willingness to create, as well as edit. One should intentionally collect in life, not hoard, and I believe this applies to everything: art, fashion, your home and spaces, work, as well as friends/family. And when you get close to the line of imbalance, it is the shrewd ability to recognize it and to be willing to cut out the uncultivated and eye-distracting portions of your life that turns order into chaos. I believe this is what brings wisdom and happiness!
I pride myself on curated life-choices, and the willingness and boldness to pivot when those choices no longer suit my ambitions, passions, or goals. I am always looking for the best path for myself, my marriage, and my children, and that is why I pivoted from litigator to art advisor. I don’t want to be stuck in a box that other people construct, and I have no problem reinventing myself. I only have one life—I might as well live as many lives as I can!
Q: What are your aspirations and vision for the future, considering both your wild creative ideas and the wisdom you've gained?
A: I have two aspirations—to maintain and nurture the great people in my life, and to bring as much beauty, creativity, and love into my community sphere as possible. I hope to do this by shining a light and on the art community here in San Diego, but also those artistic geniuses I see both locally and internationally that still stand on the periphery and need to be supported, championed, and highlighted. At the JFiN Collective we foster a conscious culture of curated and thoughtful collecting, and focus on historically underrepresented artists. I want people to collect more art, not only because I believe living a curated life begets more beauty and love in this world, but because it’s a communal and conscious activity where the artist, the artwork, the advisor, the gallery, and the collector all become part of a magical and collective journey that inspires and ignites new life for generations to come.
Listen to the full conversation now on Apple Podcast or Spotify.