Collection: Dear Mrs. Fantasy | Artist Biography
Jennifer Casares-Schultz, artistically known as Dear Mrs. Fantasy, is a California-based artist recognized for her minimalist, monochromatic portraits. These works intimately portray passion, often depicting individuals engaged in acts that blend fantasy and reality, inviting viewers into immersive, lighthearted scenes. Through the vibrant lens of psychedelic and jam band culture, Dear Mrs. Fantasy captures the essence of people embracing new experiences or cherished passions. Her mission is to empower individual identity and expression, injecting humor and happiness into the everyday while fostering genuine connection and community.
A Santa Ana native with Mexican immigrant roots, Jennifer’s artistic journey was deeply influenced by her introduction to the Grateful Dead in high school, sparking a lifelong love affair with improvisational music. As self-described bookworm, pianist (pē-ˈa-nist ;)), and painter, she embodies the spirit of a modern-day Renaissance woman. While studying literature, philosophy, and history at the University of Redlands, Jennifer received a pivotal grant from the Johnston Center to follow the 2009 Dead tour, exploring 21st-century counterculture. This "jam band journey" continued beyond graduation, as she sold her art & goods at many heady events to follow. Inspired by the Grateful Dead's ethos of living a life one loves, Jennifer bravely transitioned to a full-time artist during the pandemic. Dear Mrs. Fantasy officially launched in Spring 2019, born from a desire to infuse the world with life, love, and humor, sparking meaningful conversations. Her art, with its minimalist and monochromatic approach, intentionally omits identifying details, allowing viewers to uninhibitedly explore possibilities within each scene. This multiplicity of expression extends to her mediums—ink, acrylic, oil, metal—mirroring the diverse beauty of all genders and sexualities depicted. Jennifer bravely celebrates her own sexuality through her art, encouraging others to embrace every facet of themselves. She seeks to normalize lighthearted conversations about sexuality while also igniting deeper dialogues. In 2022, she further honed her craft at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, specializing in figure drawing while continuously exploring new mediums. Her dedication to artistic growth and authentic self-expression extends beyond the canvas, directly impacting how she connects with her audience.
Beyond her studio work, Jennifer is a dynamic presence, actively engaging with her audience and advocating for inclusivity. Jennifer consistently creates art and goods that champion sexual empowerment and freedom, masterfully blending hobbies with fantastical elements. She thrives on connecting with her audience through in-person vending events, believing art should be an essential, accessible part of everyone's life, not a mere afterthought for a select few. Now fully embracing her own (bi)sexuality and identity, Jennifer is a passionate ally to marginalized communities, committed to creating and behaving in ways that are inclusive of all races, genders, and sexualities. At her core, Jennifer Casares-Schultz / Dear Mrs. Fantasy is an artist and advocate passionately dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering genuine connection through her vibrant, inclusive work.