From Corporate Boardrooms to Art Galleries: Jen Cromarty's Remarkable Journey
Jen Cromarty has embarked on an extraordinary second act, returning to her artistic roots after spending thirty years building a successful corporate career. Her story demonstrates that creative passions can flourish at any stage of life, even after decades in completely different fields.
A Corporate Path Chosen Over Artistic Dreams
Like many young people, Cromarty was advised against pursuing art as a viable career after high school, despite it being her favorite subject. "I thought I wouldn't be able to make a liveable wage as an artist," she recalls honestly. This practical concern led her to study public relations instead, which launched her into a three-decade career in policy, government relations, and eventually the role of chief executive for the Committee for Geelong.
Throughout those busy corporate years, Cromarty maintained her connection to art through occasional life drawing classes. "I was fully 100 per cent in my career plus I played a lot of sport so that absorbed a lot of my time," she explains of those decades when her artistic side took a backseat to professional responsibilities.
The Pandemic and Health Crisis as Catalysts for Change
The global pandemic marked a turning point in Cromarty's perspective. Working from home during this stressful period led to physical complications, including a serious back issue requiring surgery. "When you are an active and driven person and you are stuck on your back for months, you do a lot of thinking," she reflects. "That was a circuit breaker for me."
After leaving her position at the Committee for Geelong in 2022, Cromarty took three months for soul searching before traveling overseas with one of her daughters. Upon returning, her daughters encouraged her to pursue art more seriously, noting that she had been drawing them regularly. "I thought, 'Why not?'" she says of this pivotal moment.
Embracing Art with Full Commitment
In 2024, Cromarty decided to go all in with her artistic pursuits. She returned to basics with graphite and charcoal pencil drawing, focusing on her favorite subjects of life drawing and portraiture. For three months straight, she drew every single day, though she admits to feeling some initial guilt about not pursuing more traditionally "impactful" work.
That guilt disappeared when she began exhibiting her work and achieving unexpected recognition. Her very first group exhibition entry won an award, and she has since earned Best in Show honors at both the Daylesford Art Show and Birregurra Art Show. "People you don't know think you are the best out of all the works," she says, still processing the validation.
Building a Creative Community in Geelong
Cromarty's artistic journey expanded beyond creating her own work. In August 2024, she opened Untether Gallery in central Geelong, creating a space to support and nurture creative industries. "I needed to understand what it was like and for me the quickest way to learn was by doing," she explains of her decision to establish the gallery.
The gallery represents just one aspect of her commitment to Geelong's creative community. Ten years ago, Cromarty founded Creative Geelong, which has grown to 180 members and transformed a once-dark thoroughfare into a thriving creative hub connecting Little Malop Street to Ryrie Street.
Finding Peace and Purpose Through Creativity
For Cromarty, art has become more than just a new career path—it has transformed her wellbeing. "I am much more measured, content and settled. I've been very anxious most of my life," she shares. "Sport was my outlet and I needed it to cope. Now, art isn't as physically challenging but it created that space to be peaceful."
Her husband notices the difference, remarking that her voice sounds lighter after she spends time in her studio. Cromarty has discovered pan pastel techniques and is currently working on a new solo exhibition for this year.
"Art is incredibly healthy for me," she concludes with conviction. "This is what I am going to do for the rest of my life." Her journey from corporate executive to award-winning artist demonstrates that creative fulfillment can arrive at any stage, bringing with it both professional success and personal peace.
