The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness, and self-care. The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobby as it relates to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and financial wellness.
Jennifer Clements is a Program Director in the Office of Laboratory Research in Neurosurgery. She has been a member of Dr. James Markert’s research lab for nineteen years and has managed his wetlab for the last twelve years in addition to her administrative duties as the research compliance liaison for research PIs and staff. Jennifer earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology from UAH in 1999 and later her Masters of Public Health, OH&S, in 2020 from UAB. She focuses on murine glioma research utilizing oncolytic herpes viral treatment for preclinical data to support Dr. Markert’s clinical trials using oncolytic viral therapy in patients with glioblastoma.
What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?
"I am currently focused on adult paint-by-number canvases as an outlet to alleviate stress. The idea was to take a step up from the adult coloring books that became popular a few years ago."
What inspired you to explore this hobby?
"I had always wanted to take up painting with acrylics and watercolors as a hobby but didn’t have the art foundation to paint well. I had contemplated taking some art courses and told my family that I should probably start with paint-by-number to build my confidence. My mother bought me two paint-by-number kits for my 48th birthday in 2021, and my enthusiasm for the hobby has spawned 15 finished pieces. I have a tendency to go “all in” when it comes to hobbies, which has resulted in my purchasing 16 more painting kits from Amazon. I prefer impressionist art, botanical pieces, or scenes from nature such as mountains and waterscapes."
Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?
"Yes, I find myself looking forward to painting a few minutes or hours every week. This hobby allows me to paint whileI listen to my audiobooks or music to clear my mind of anxieties, deadlines, and task lists. I’ve noticed a happier outlook that has made me less stressed at work. By taking a few moments to myself every week, I am able to re-energize my brain and focus more at work on hard deadlines."
What paintings are you most proud of?
"I’m most proud of a painting titled “Girl in Sea” that my mother gifted me as the image reminded her of me on one of our family beach trips. I am also partial to Claude Monet and think the piece entitled “Woman with a Parasol” turned out pretty well."