”Mathematically organic paper sculptures,” is how Miami-based artist Jen Stark describes her quirky and captivatingly colorful creations. Having started off using colored construction paper more out of economic necessity, she now minutely assembles up to a hundred layers of paper that she separately cuts by hand into complex, precisely arranged, vibrant 3-D objects.
INMYX: Paper is typically something you start to experiment with as a child. Was that the case with you?
Jen Stark: When I was young, I loved to experiment with all kinds of materials. I was always interested in art. I would love to cut paper and make puppets or collages when I was a child.
INMYX: For adults, paper is not necessarily the first choice of material when it comes to making artwork. What so fascinated you about paper that you took it up as the sole medium for working with?
Stark: Well, it started when I was attending Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and decided to study a semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. I could only bring two suitcases with me for five months so I decided to only bring necessities and purchase art supplies when I got there. The Euro was high and when I went into the store to look for supplies I decided to get something inexpensive, but with potential. I saw a stack of construction paper and loved all the colors and how the layers stacked so I got this. I began experimenting and stumbled upon the paper sculptures.
INMYX: Usually, paper and cutting is associated with crafts rather than fine art. Was it hard sometimes to define your art and to find your place in the art world?
Stark: Since I've been trained as a fine-artist my whole life I think this helps out. If I had never been to an art class in my life or known nothing about it, it might be harder for people to call it art. There is a thin line between a lot of different labels, and I think if the work and concepts are unique and the creator believes it is art, then it is. I am very passionate and consumed by creating this type of work and think that craft is more associated with a hobby. I haven't had too much trouble finding my place in the art world. Things are working out just fine.
INMYX: Do you have a story or theme in mind when you start cutting, or do you just start and then see what happens?
Stark: Most of the time I draw out a sketch of what I want to create, then I keep sketching to figure out how to make it work. There is usually an idea in mind when I begin cutting ... although sometimes, if the sculpture is more organic, I don't have to be so exact. I love bringing up ideas of microscopic shapes, eternity, mystery and color in my work.
INMYX: How long does each piece last once it is installed. I suppose they are rather fragile?
Stark: Most of my work is not permanently installed so it can be moved around. The sculptures are not too fragile. Paper can last for a long time. If there are ancient papers that are still intact, I think my work will be fine for many years to come.
INMYX: For now I can only see vibrant, absolutely captivating colors and compositions. Do you think there will be a more quiet and subdued series one day?
Stark: Sure. Somewhere down the road I can see myself working with more muted tones. It just depends on the piece and my frame of mind. I love working with vibrant colors though, so I don't see it happening anytime too soon.
INMYX: Your artwork definitely fuels the onlooker’s imagination. Were you ever approached with a funny, or interesting story, or image that somebody associated with a specific piece that you did?
Stark: Nothing specific. I've gotten a marriage proposal through an email. Also, a guy named Kevin sent me this amazing quote:
“Maturity means to rediscover the seriousness one had as a child at play.” – Nietzsche
Link:
www.jenstark.com
“X” Marks The Spot! #20
