4.11 and 4.12 John and Linda Jensen, Artists and Educators

John Jensen in his studio working on a piece inspired by Japanese mythology.

I had the opportunity to visit the studio of John and Linda Jensen. They are two generous art professors and fine artists. I have to say the put the “FINE” in fine arts. Truly fine people. Both are highly prolific creators in their own discipline. John Jensen is a ceramic artist. During my art education classes at Armstrong Atlantic State University I was required to take ceramics. Armstrong is now know as Georgia Southern University (GSU). I am so glad I did. He not only taught me a great deal about ceramics, but as teacher creating a great classroom culture. When you walk into his class you see a diversity in the age and abilities of the students and he encourage and teaches in a way that connects with each person. That’s really hard to do as a teacher. His classroom had a zen like quality to it, and it made you want to spend as much time as possible in the studio learning. Mr. Jensen ceramic pieces vary from thrown pieces that are delicately carved to full-size sculptures memorializing his friends and family members. He is constantly experimenting and even motorizing movement in some of his pieces.

Ceramic pieces by John Jensen.

Linda Jensen in her studio and one of her pieces in progress.

Mrs. Linda Jensen is a photographer and retired art professor. She has taught art education and photography classes at GSU. I can only describe her work as beautiful ethereal photographic mixed media pieces. She has a collection of beads in every imaginable color. She has carefully experimented and perfected her materials and techniques to create these icons of her former students, family, and friends. My photographs do not do justice to the colors in the original pieces.

Mrs. Jensen’s piece Theone Karatassos a portrait of a student,
and photos of inside her studio space.

I decided to release both their interviews, because I couldn’t decide who to go with first. They are both such facinating artists in their own right. Their journey to becoming artists and teachers was amazing to listen to. Looking at their work gives the viewer a glimpse into their minds and hearts, and this is something I feel like I would want to explore more in my own work.

Here is his webpage on the Savannah Clay Community to see more of his art.
Savannah Clay Community John Jensen
New Georgia Encyclopedia

To see more of Linda Jensen’s work visit
Lens Culture

Article about both their work.
Inkwell

Listen to their inteviews on My Creative Life.

Thanks you for listening!