An Introduction To Jen Stark

Born in Miami and now based in Los Angeles, Jen Stark is a contemporary artist who creates intricate sculptures from paper.

Using bright colors, often reminding people of kaleidescope visions, shecreates a variety of artwork from stand alone sculptures to wall pieces to painted installations and animation.

Jen took some time out to answer a few questions for us…

Did you start making your pieces with the intention of making this your full time job or was it just a hobby?

Since I was very young I dreamed of being an artist. As I grew older I realized I wanted to do it as my full time job although I didn’t really think it’d be possible. All the stars aligned for me and I’m lucky to support myself from it.

Multitude / 20″ x 20″ x 4″ / acid-free paper, glue, paint, mdf / 2014

Do you work by yourself or do you have assistants or employees that help?

Yes, I have a few assistants that come help a few days a week. They each have a steady hand and a great attention to detail. They help me out immensely since my work is very tedious.

Cosmographic / 34″ x 37″ x 4″ / acid-free paper, holographic paper, glue, wood, acrylic paint / 2014

Glow / 63″ x 40″ x 4″ / acid-free paper, holographic paper, glue, wood, acrylic paint / 2014

How long does it take you to make your average piece?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple months to complete a piece, depending on size and complexity.

Vortex / 32″ x 34″ x 4″ / acid-free colored paper, glue, wood, paint / 2014

Cosmic Distortion / 22.5 x 22.5 x 36.5 in / Hand-cut acid-free paper, glue, wood, foam board / 2012

What has been your largest project to date?

The largest project I’ve done is a mural and sculpture I created in 2013 in a mall called “Fashion Outlets of Chicago”. A group of 11 artists were asked to create large scale works for the mall, and it acts as a kind of museum as you walk through it. My mural “Drippy” was around 45ft x 30ft and painted by hand with acrylic paints and around 5 assistants. The hanging sculpture “Wormhole” was 8ft x 20ft and made with PVC and spraypaint. I was working on these installations side by side and completed them in 1 month.