Miami-born, Los Angeles-based Jen Stark – who earned a degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art and explores color with mind-bending, psychedelic sphere installations, 3-D optic sculptures, patterned paintings and public art, and has had exhibitions in places including New York, Chicago, Thailand and Canada – plumbs her own psychological depths only to discover what makes her love work and life.
What historical art figure would you like to have lunch with and why? I’d love to have lunch with Galileo and pick his brain on the universe and the intersection of science and art. I understand he might not be seen as a traditional artist, but the discoveries he made and the work he did help inspire my way of thinking.
What did you purchase with the proceeds from your first sale? In 2005, I sold my first artwork to my animation professor in college for a few hundred dollars. It was an abstract ceramic sculpture of an octopus-like creature. I then used whatever I saved up that year to buy myself a flight to Costa Rica as a graduation present to myself. I stayed in $4/night hostels and had an amazing time exploring around the country. I prefer spending money on experiences like traveling that are much more memorable and inspiring compared to physical objects.
Light Box #2, 2022
What words or phrases do you overuse? “Cool” & “Goddangit.”
How do you know when a work is finished? A work is finished when I feel satisfied enough to walk away from it.
Organic Desaturation, 2021
When and where were you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m out camping nature with a fire going and cooking some delicious food with a glass of wine, watching the sunset.
What is your most treasured possession? Zelda, my dog.
Portal, 2021
Where is your ideal escape destination? A tropical island with beautiful plants to explore, amazing scuba diving, and good food.
What’s the worst survival job you’ve ever had? Working at a carwash when I was 18 years old.
Vortextural, 2015
What TV series from your youth best describes your approach to life? David the Gnome – they were always problem solving and seeing the positive in everything. It was a magical and simple life in nature.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wish I spoke Spanish and Frenchbetter.
What is your most treasured memory? My most treasured memory was when I moved from Miami to Los Angeles. It was both scary and exciting entering the unknown. I was able to see so many different cities on the drive and bring that inspiration with me to Los Angeles.
What makes you smile? Plants, babies and dogs.
What makes you cry? Sad movies.
Drip Cascade, 2021
What is your go-to drink when you toast to a sale? Pet nat bubbly wine
After an all-nighter, what’s your breakfast of champions? Egg and cheese sandwich with fresh squeezed OJ and coffee.
Who inspires you? The artist James Jean. Not only because of his gorgeous artwork ,but his insane work ethic.
What’s your best quality? My positive outlook on things.
Chromatic Cascade, 2017
What’s your biggest flaw? Sometimes I take on too many projects and I’m not able to focus because of it.
What is your current state of mind? Being happy and satisfied with myself, diving into self-care, learning how to let go of unimportant things, and simplifying my life.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I’m proudest when I see my art being taught to kids in schools all around the world.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? An octopus!
Cover image: Portrait of Jen Stark by Ira Chernova. Visit the artist at her website, on IG and on Facebook.
