Meagan Jain, a painter and mirror designer based in New York City, believes in the fulfilling power of art. Being an artist was never something she envisioned for herself until she was in graduate school. As a child, she was surrounded by art, watching her uncle redesign furniture, and seeing her aunt’s paintings hanging in her childhood home. A self-taught artist, Meagan’s path has been filled with unique and innovative ways to pursue an artistic life.
Jain works across several artistic mediums, whether hand-crafted mirrors or oil on canvas, and explores themes of women’s rights, the aging process, and how women’s role in society evolves throughout their lives. She began her career teaching art at senior communities. Seeing the transformative power of art and being motivated by her desire to dismantle and rebuild societal norms surrounding the body, she created female-focused empowerment workshops such as the Vulva Self-Portrait class and the Sage Experience. Meagan now focuses on creating mirrors and paintings in her Brooklyn studio.
ARTISTIC BEGINNINGS
While pursuing her master’s degree in gerontology and studying aging, she found a way to intertwine her artistic inclinations with her chosen field of study by visiting assisted living communities and nursing homes with art supplies. “Getting to see and be a part of how art gave older adults a voice,” she said, “showed me how impactful sharing art can be.” This revelation led her to begin a nonprofit that connected young and older adults through art.
Shortly after graduating, she was hired to paint her first mural and took the opportunity as a positive omen for a possible career. Seeking to find artistic excitement and adventure, she moved to New York City to continue her creative pursuits. “There’s so much texture to life here. Living here has pushed me to become a better artist,” she explained.
Jain also finds inspiration through the works of spiritual modernists such as Hilma af Klint and Agnes Pelton. “When I first saw Klint and Pelton’s work, I felt connected to something I’d never felt before,” she said. “Seeing their work permitted me to explore spiritual symbolism. I use reflective surfaces so people can interpret the work through their reflections. Each piece she creates is a way to move beyond linguistic barriers and develop a sense of openness and fluidity.
THE PROCESS OF CREATING
While many believe the most challenging part of being an artist is finding inspiration, Jain says the real challenge lies in overcoming self-imposed obstacles. She stresses the importance of making “bad art,” as opposed to making no art at all and focusing on the process of creating with no ego involved. “When we produce something, we want the outcome to be exactly what we envisioned,” she explained, “but making art is a process of experimentation and being flexible. You can always try something else; if that doesn’t work, try again. It’s all about following your creative curiosity.”
By incorporating mirrors into her artwork, Jain invites viewers to engage with their reflections and initiates a deeper dialogue on feminism and women’s bodies. “Having the viewer reflected in my work introduces an aspect of introspection and personalized interaction. I want my work to ignite curiosity and conversation,” she said. Jain’s “Silhouette Mirror” ranges from eighteen inches to four feet tall and comes in rose gold, silver, and gold colorways. “The Luminary Mirror” pays tribute to Goddess worship, a practice of the Neolithic and Paleolithic eras.
Jain’s “Portals” also play an integral role in her oeuvre. This symbol is a visual representation of personal evolution, allowing the viewer to reconsider their reality in moments of frustration or stagnation and reminds the viewer that every moment offers us the opportunity to choose the lives we want. “They are portals of potential,” she explained.
THE FUTURE
Jain hopes for her art to be accessible to a wide range of viewers, whether in galleries, stores, hotels, or residential homes. Having always admired female artists, such as Judy Chicago and Niki de Saint Phalle, her goal is to emulate their trailblazing paths. “So many women have chartered the way,” she said. “I am honored to be a part of the next generation of female artists who continue to push boundaries that help create a more equitable and empowered society.”
For more information on Meagan Jain, visit meaganjain.com