ABOUT

Hey! I’m Jenna “Jay” Schwabland and I’m the artist behind Cinder & Bone! This site was made as an all-in-one place for bookings, artist portfolio and flash pages! And to clear things up, Cinder & Bone isn’t the name of where I’m tattooing but rather my tattooing presence on the internet!

I currently tattoo with the wonderful crew at Hot Love Tattoo in Tallahassee Florida.

I grew up in Lakeland, Florida and moved to Tallahassee Florida in 2020, where I am currently a senior at Florida State University seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and learning American Sign Language. I strive to be a lifelong learner, creating artwork for myself and others while providing a safe and inclusive environment.

In my free time you can find me hanging out with my two cats, sipping on a beverage at a local coffee shop, or (unsurprisingly) working on my next art project.

Artist Statement

As a newly emerging artist, my work primarily explores the processes of printmaking, drawing, painting on animal bones, tattooing, and ceramics. My artistic focus delves into themes of death, decay, transitions, and new opportunities, seeking to intertwine both their literal and spiritual meanings.

Creating these pieces requires me to confront the inevitability of decay and to connect spiritually with the death surrounding us. Although the concept of death brings a sense of sorrow, it also opens up new opportunities. For instance, painting on animal bones offers a paradoxical experience—transforming something that was once alive into a canvas, embracing its natural beauty. Similarly, the tattoos I ink on someone’s skin will eventually fade into mere blots over decades, while my ceramic works are likely to outlive me. In printmaking, I can produce numerous unique replicas, each holding value until they are eventually forgotten.

I often use animal symbolism in my artwork to convey these messages to my viewers. These symbols serve as powerful representations of life’s cycles and allowing the viewer to connect with the animal on a deeper level.

My artwork invites viewers to embrace the present and reflect on the essence of being alive by facing the inevitability of death. Together, my audience and I share a common fate. Acknowledging death's constant presence enhances life's preciousness, and through my art, I feel honored to share this journey with my viewers during our fleeting time together through the fauna on the Earth.