Jennifer Amy Hynes

Thoughts on Motherhood Through the Eyes of an Artist

Late Autumn wind whips, Sadness Falls on my Shoulders

A heavy load of sadness falls on my shoulders. Late Autumn winds blow, I listen to John Coltrane Quartet. My kids are at school, I have an hour of downtime left. Not really downtime. I’m writing my Artist Statement for the Sanchez Art Center 50/50 Show. My theme for this piece is treating my panels […]

First Days

I write this in my tub. Soaking the past 12 hours away. I’ve been up since 3:30AM. First Day of Kindergarten for Jack and Fiona. First day of American Sign Language instruction at Berkeley Community College for me. Drop off and Freeway, each with its own pulse. I saw smashed cars on the opposite side […]

Breezy Bay Blue Sky

“Did you wear hearing aids when you were a girl?” Fiona asks. This is the second time the subject has come up. I don’t think she understands yet, that she’s the only one in the family who wears hearing aids and that no one else has ever worn hearing aids. It’s interesting. And how do […]

50/50 Show Sanchez Art Center curated, next project in the wings

Today my crit group helped me curate my 50 pieces for installation in the 50/50 show at Sanchez Art Center. I had so many great moments working on this project, hard moments, but worth it moments. I was manic at times, totally drained at others. I scraped, peeled, painted, stained, washed, pressed, collaged, destroyed, and […]

Deep Breath Relax Let Go

“Why are you talking like that?” Jack asked me. He had just started throwing pillows of the futon during story time. Tears had started rolling down my cheeks, my voice quivering. “Because I’m tired Jack, it’s exhausting saying No, don’t do that all day long” I said. I gained control of myself and finished the […]

Will things ever be easy?

I walked over the green hill, past the ice cream truck, I felt good, I was on time to pick up my kids from summer camp. I parked at the very far end of the park so I could enjoy the walk. It was a beautiful day, a bit windy, hot and dry. August quickly […]

Miscommunication and silver linings

“Air comes in, noise comes out” Said Jack “What” Said Fiona “I’m getting’ hungry for those ribs” said Alan. “Nice and Crispy for me” Said Jack “What” said Fiona again. We were all siting in the living room watching Irish accordion players on T.V. Neither Jack nor Alan repeated what they said after Fiona said […]