I’m thrilled to be in the group show “Elemental” at William Turner Gallery alongside the amazing artists Kelsey Brookes & Andy Moses. My new painting Ablaze (below) and more on view in Santa Monica, CA from September 15th to November 3rd.
Curator interviews artists from How They Ran
Glamour Italia
New article in Glamour Italia featuring Miami artists:
As Miami rapidly grows into the new mecca for public arts, creatives are beginning to flock for inspiration and a chance to be recognized in a community without much competition. When you hear the words "street art," typically one thing comes to mind: illegal graffiti, however we are living in a new age, a new reign of public artists and activists. While the act of graffiti is still very much alive and well throughout the world, there is a very significant difference for visual artists who utilize the streets and public spaces to share their messages of beauty and hope for a better society.
All three of these born and bread Miami visual artists work within multiple mediums including public walls, but not one of them derived from graffiti culture. However, their work crosses paths in the streets and throughout the world beautifying our public spaces, sidewalks and skylines.
Statistically speaking, women creatives have been forced to work double as hard as any male artist to hopefully get the same recognition. With that said, our time is now, our time is here and we have very important conversations to ignite with art, it's only the beginning of this revolution. In the future there will be no "female artists," there will just be artists.
Initially Jen Stark's large scale work public spaces in Los Angeles and Miami drew me to her, and to discover her kaleidoscope universe, but then I fell in love Her use of optical color waves in memorizing patterns has the ability to hypnotize you while unintentionally leaving a smile on your face. The narrative may seem abstract to the viewer but her intention is not only to make beautiful pieces of art but also use her art to create a greener planet.
Q & A:
You went to art school in Maryland at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where you majored in Fibers and minored in Animation. How did your studies there influence your practice as a visual artist?
After graduating high school in 2001 I decided to attend MICA in Baltimore. I took classes in many different departments (General Fine Arts, Sculpture, Ceramics, etc) but eventually settled on Fibers because it was such an open major and had amazing professors like: Annet Couwenberg and Susie Brandt. We were taught many different standard techniques in Fibers (like sewing, dyeing, felting, weaving, etc) but were encouraged to experiment with whatever concepts and materials we were interested in. Most Fibers majors shared a love of repetition and detail oriented work. It was a very open major and I loved that about it, since I could explore any theme and medium I wanted. It helped me discover and refine my love of layered repetition with paper and other materials. I still use the techniques I learned in college to create my work today.
Many female artists across the world are only just receiving their recognition. How do you feel about this shift in attitude?
I think the time is finally here for women to be seen as equals all around the world. We have been unfairly suppressed and judged for far too long. I think electing a president that is so misogynistic was a huge shock and outrage for many of us, but it is shining light on these realities and forcing us to face them and be inspired to create change. In the art world, women artists are constantly under represented. I think we still have a long road ahead of us, but it is slowly beginning to change. It's great that these issues are finally getting some light.
Have you had many role models in your professional career?
Many of my teachers and family members have been important role models for me. My grandpa helped fueled my passion for art. He was a watercolor painter, who liked to paint things like sailboats, the everglades, landscapes and birds. My parents also nurtured that creative side of me, and put me in art classes throughout my whole life. I'm inspired by the artwork of Yayoi Kusama, Sol Lewitt, Tara Donovan, Tom Friedman, Andy Goldsworthy and Ernst Haeckel among others.
You have commonly, but selectively, worked in highly public places, like the Miami International Airport and at Miami’s Hardrock Stadium. What are a few of the misconceptions about being a visual artist, who occasionally works on walls? And do you feel as though being incorrectly classified as a “street artist” can actually hinder your fine art career?
I think being an artist in today's world means working in many different mediums, genres and challenging the idea of a conventional gallery artist or street artist. Being a 'street artist' in the art world has a stigma attached to it. I feel like some artists get pigeon-holed into this one category and it somehow feels tainted in the art world. I've painted some outdoor murals, but I've also shown my work in galleries & museums and try to push the boundaries on the definition of art. The art world is constantly changing and evolving, and I feel the people who create 'rules' on an artists career path have a dated way of thinking. I try not to concern myself too much with what people say, and just keep moving forward in my own way and pursuing my dreams.
I know that creating a more sustainable and greener planet is a very important characteristic in your artistic practice. Do you have any advice for other artists on how they can incorporate this into their work, and how even the smallest change can create a large impact as an artist?
Living a more sustainable life and being in harmony with nature is very important to me. I try to do this both in both my personal and professional life. I'm trying to bring some big renewable energy ideas to fruition in my large scale artwork. Its important we make changes now to help our environment and the planet stay healthy. Even small changes, like trying to choose more biodegradable, non-toxic materials and lowering our carbon footprint will be important steps. Not supporting wasteful and toxic companies is another way to make a difference. It begins with changes in our personal lives, and I feel it is an artists responsibility to bring awareness to these issues.
"How They Ran" Group Show at Over The Influence Gallery, Los Angeles
My newest mirrored piece is on view at Over The Influence in Los Angeles until September 5th: Infinity Spiral, 2018, laser cut mirrored acrylic, epoxy, wood, 96 x 96 in.
Taking the name from the second chapter of Germaine Greer’s landmark text “The Obstacle Race” from 1979, “How They Ran” brings together a selected group of LA-based artists whose diverse practices represent the heartbeat of the Los Angeles art scene today. Greer’s book presented an art historical account of artists who are missing from academic literature and how they overcame historical obstacles to achieve notoriety anyway. Through this lens, Over the Influence will present a group exhibition of LA-based artists from different backgrounds, practices, and generations.
The artists featured in “How They Ran” are Miya Ando, Amanda Maciel Antunes, Lisa Anne Auerbach, Uta Barth, Whitney Bedford, Tanya Brodsky, Kelly Brumfield-Woods, Jo Ann Callis, Katy Cowan, Dinah Diwan, Francesca Gabbiani, Mercedes Helnwein, Pamela Smith Hudson, Barbara Kruger, Alice Lang, Hilary Pecis, Ke Peng, Vanessa Prager, Monique Prieto, Jennifer Rochlin, Anja Salonen, Kim Schoenstadt, Ali Silverstein, Jen Stark, Kerry Tribe, Lesley Vance, Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, and Megan Whitmarsh.
American Craft Magazine Cover
My artwork is featured on the cover of American Craft Magazine "The Color Issue" for their August/September 2018 issue. It includes a great 8 page article "Good Vibrations" by Neil Janowitz. Cover Photo by Rony Alwin.
LA Original Pop-up Shop @MOCA
I'm thrilled to have some flower pots & reversible tote bags at the LA Original Pop-up Shop at MOCA!
Launch party is Thursday, July 12th at MOCA: 250 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Join us to celebrate the launch of our latest pop-up shop at the MOCA Store, featuring a new selection of LA Original products designed by some of LA's dynamic makers and artists. Our summer collection, which includes everything from decorative housewares to street apparel, is a technicolor reflection of our city's incredible creative community. A percentage of the proceeds will go to MADE by DWC, a social enterprise operated by the Downtown Women's Center (DWC) that provides job training and transitional employment in product and retail environments for women transitioning out of homelessness. LA Original is a pilot program of the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles and Mayor's Office of Economic Development in support of LA's unique, local creative economy.
New Article on Quiet Lunch
New article be Danny Brody up on Quiet Lunch. Read it in full here.
Art on Paper Fair
I created a new book: "Sketchbook: 2015-2017" (limited edition of 10) for the Art on Paper Fair in New York.
Cinders Gallery Booth
Art on Paper Fair
March 8-11, 2018
299 South Street - Pier 36, Downtown Manhattan
Artists Participating:
Tahiti Pehrson, Michelle Blade, Emma Kohlmann, Chris Duncan, Alexis Anne Mackenzie, Langdon Graves, Edie Fake, Serra Victoria Bothwell Fels, Neil Farber and Michael Dumontier, Michael Velliquette, Jessie Rose Vala, Kevin Hooyman, Hilary Pecis, Thomas Campbell, Jen Stark, Alexis Beauclair, Icinori, Nathaniel Russell, Anthea Belm, Heather Benjamin, Kelie Bowman, Sto Len, Brendan Monroe, Kim Schifino, Brian Chippendale, Christian Gfeller, Anna Hellsgard, Elaine Su-Hei, Golnar Adili
Tunnel Vision
"Tunnel Vision" a 20ft x 5ft x 5ft outdoor public sculpture. On view through April 22nd, 2018.
Commissoned by Santa Monica Cultural Affairs and curated by LeBasse Projects
ROAM Series
120 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Designed by Jen Stark, “Tunnel Vision” is a tunnel of cascading ring shapes that morph shape and color. The front of the sculpture begins as an organic inner shape, which slowly morphs into a circle in the back. From one perspective, the sculpture is colored in a vivid rainbow gradient. The opposite end of the sculpture changes color scheme into black and white, creating an optical illusion and two unique perspectives of the piece. In this revealed element of surprise, viewers are encouraged walk around and interact with the sculpture. The sculpture also provides an oasis for neighbors and visitors to sit, relax and contemplate. Commissioned by Santa Monica Cultural Affairs through their ROAM series of temporary art installations. Curated by LeBasse Projects.
"Holographic Gradient" Limited Edition Print
New print "Holographic Gradient" available here. Limited edition of 150.
2 Color Hand Printed Serigraph, each is a 5 color split fountain. Printed on Mirri Rainbow 280gsm acid-free, archival holographic paper. Each print is hand pulled and no 2 prints are exactly alike. Holographic effect changes depending on lighting & surroundings.
Las Jaras Wine Label
Created a new wine label for the incredible 2016 Pétillant Naturel Sparkling Rosé by Las Jaras Wine. Limited amount available for purchase here.
A State of Infinite Division Group Show at Winsor Gallery
Newest plexi sculpture and mandala painting are in a group show curated by Brooke Wise at Winsor Gallery in Vancouver, BC, on view through February 24.
"Ethereal Sequence", 2018, acrylic sheet, monofilament, 23 x 23 x 13
Hanging in front of a Thrush Holmes wall piece.
"Prisma Chrome", 2017, acrylic on wood, 46 x 46 x 1 in
Chromatic Cascade
Completed a new 27 x 200 ft. mural "Chromatic Cascade" in the downtown LA arts district, located at 1828 Conway Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021
Limited Edition Print
Created a limited edition print, comissioned by the Arsht Center in Miami, FL for their Knight Masterworks Print Collection.
Google My Live Case Collection
Collaborated with Google to create some cases for their new Pixel phones as part of the My Live Case Collection.
#mylivecase
Super Deluxe Video
New Super Deluxe video of me creating a drippy drawing.
Drip Down
Completed "Drip Down" mural near Section 104 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. Organized and curated by Goldman Global Arts.
UE Speaker Design "Drippy"
I just designed a new limited edition speaker for Ultimate Ears. Get it HERE
Ultimate Ears announces the first artist edition UE ROLL 2 speaker, Drippy UE ROLL 2, designed by renowned American artist Jen Stark. Created to celebrate the relationship between movement and sound, the limited edition Drippy UE ROLL 2 was inspired by prismatic colors and nature.
Video interview for Amadeus Magazine
Fun new video interview inside my Chinatown studio in Los Angeles by Amadeus Magazine. Directed by Matthew Kaundart. See the full video below.
Electrify Mag Interview
"Jen Stark’s Colors of Consciousness"
A studio visit with photographer Pat Martin
Interview by Annisha Lashan
Read the whole interview HERE
Miami-born, LA-based contemporary artist Jen Stark burst into popularity through her recent collaboration with Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne on the music video “Lighter.” Working with ecstatic color palettes, there’s a galvanizing subtext of psychedelic shamanism and dimensional of consciousness interwoven through every piece. Articulating her style by layering colored paper in repetition, she turns two-dimensional material into three-dimensional sculptures. It’s an artform Jen fell into by happenstance during a brief semester abroad in the south of France, when construction paper was all she could afford. Fueled by a love and deep fulfilment from the process, Stark continued into what is now a very successful career, with major solo exhibits across North America. With boundless curiosity and a sense of wonder for the intangible, Stark offers an eloquent opinion on art as a method of meditation and on finding balance as a modern-day artist.
photo by Pat Martin
“I’ve always had a deep fascination for nature and how it relates to science and spirituality.”
On transcendence through art. For me, the act and process of creating art is just as important as the final product. My art practice is very meditative and brings me to a trance-like state when I’m creating – especially with very repetitive tasks. Art is an expression of my inner fantasies, dreams and thoughts. Creating art pushes me to brainstorm and challenge myself, which is very therapeutic and helps me understand myself better. With much of my work, I’m diving into questions about the universe and consciousness and trying to understand what it is all about and why it exists. I’m trying to reach that transcendental state through artwork.
For Jen, nature inspires. Much of my work is inspired by the natural world. In nature, color is a way to get someone’s attention – from a poisonous frog warning a predator off with its vibrant color patterns, to a ripe, red berry ready to be eaten. To me, color brings a sense of awe and wonder. I’ve always had a deep fascination for nature and how it relates to science and spirituality. I feel there is a parallel between different shapes within our universe: like how the Fibonacci spiral equation relates to so many things in nature – from the shape of shell to how a fern unfurls. Sacred geometry is a big inspiration in my work. Lately, the psychedelic world and the mysteries of consciousness are things that have been most prevalent in my work and thoughts. Through my work, I’m trying to create a bridge between all these magical things, and hopefully, make a great discovery or inspire others.
photo by Pat Martin
“Working with Miley Cyrus was a fun cosmic coincidence…”
On her process. Typically, I sit down at my studio desk and begin sketching ideas in my sketchbook. I write down lots of words in addition to images. Then, once I pin down a favorite idea, I’ll begin to create it. If it is a paper sculpture, I’ll cut each layer out by hand with an exacto knife and sequentially put it together. If it is a painting, I’ll hand-sketch the lines with a pencil, then mark what each color should be with a tiny dot. Then, I’ll have assistants help me color them in. Much of my work is very labor-intensive, so process is a big part of it.
On the career of a modern day artist. Today’s art world seems very different than it used to be. Artists can have more freedom now and write their own rules. The internet definitely helps by connecting people to each other. I balance both the art and business side and realize both are important to keep growing and being able to do exactly what I want to do. I think it’s important to be able to fund the work but not create work that is purely a commodity. I think it’s important to create great work that challenges and inspires. As long as I am creating work that I believe in and am inspired by, I feel like others will see its importance and the business side will in turn follow.
On gaining popularity. Working with Miley Cyrus was a fun cosmic coincidence. I had met her one night through my friend Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips), and a couple of days later, MTV was pitching my work to her for the VMAs. It felt like it was meant to be and was a good psychedelic match. She has a very creative vision and is a free spirit who speaks her mind and knows what she wants. That project was surreal and really helped my art grow and think outside of the box. I’ve had a lot more eyes on my work because of that exposure, which has been amazing.
photo by Pat Martin