EPISODE TWENTY-TWO: Jen Valender
Insights into the Creative Journey: A Conversation with Jen Valander
Welcome to the latest entry in our exploration of the creative world, where I dive deep into the artistic process, inspiration, and challenges of artists from around the globe. This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jen Valander, a remarkable artist whose work investigates the intersection of art, ecology, and human-nonhuman connectivity.
This conversation is part of the "Art of Making Art Podcast" series, hosted by myself, Christina Lowry, a visual artist based in Logan, Brisbane. My curiosity about how artists approach their practice fuelled this ongoing series aimed at building a community of art lovers and creators.
Originally hailing from Aotearoa, New Zealand, Jen Valander has been an integral part of the Australian art scene for 13 years. She considers herself an Australasian artist and actively engages with both regions. Her academic journey traversed through sculpture and moving images, with her educational pursuits seeing her become a PhD candidate at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.
Jennifer’s work transcends traditional media, ranging from sculpture to sound and performance art. Her projects often take her overseas, a journey sparked by a pivotal residency in regional Victoria focusing on art and ecology. Her innovative practice incorporates scientific collaboration, currently partnering with climate scientists on a project exploring feline perception.
Jen's career is adorned with international exhibitions, including displaying her work in prestigious galleries like the Archie Gallery in London. She's had the privilege of sharing gallery space with iconic artists like Jean Claude and Christo, moments that figure prominently in her career highlights. Her work in diverse venues underscores a shared artistic language transcending borders.
Our talk veered into the practicalities of sustaining an artistic career. While Jen acknowledges the serendipitous nature of certain opportunities, she emphasizes the importance of proactive pursuit. She encourages artists to seek actively and not shy away from extending their network through polite and respectful outreach.
Jen insists that being an artist is part of one's identity, intertwining with every aspect of life. Despite the challenges of balancing personal life with professional commitments, she believes creativity remains a persistent drive. "Being an artist is who you are, not just what you do," she states, underlining the inseparable link between life's experiences and art practice.
For those venturing into art, Jen imparts wisdom on resilience and perseverance. She warns that rejection is part of the landscape but urges artists to remain driven and adapt creatively. "Keep asking, what's next?" she advises, echoing the importance of continual movement and community engagement for sustaining an artistic practice.
The engaging dialogue with Jen Valander offers an invaluable glimpse into the creative mind of an artist whose work navigates the intricate tapestry of art and ecology. Jen's journey provides inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike, demonstrating the power of resilience, community, and ceaseless curiosity in the pursuit of making art.
Stay connected for more interviews and insights from extraordinary artists worldwide. Until next time, embrace the art and let it shape your world. xx
Jen’s website
Jen’s Instagram
Sharon McKenzie: Exquisite Corpse