Jen Allen
I remember being 6 and announcing I was going to be an artist.
Inspiration:
I make big herkin maps of imaginary places. I like the idea of mapping out my experiences and the things that matter to me, it gives me the sense I know what's going on. I am inspired by maps (obviously), clouds and water, history and the little conversations you have that come back later and are suddenly important.
Influence:
I remember being 6 and announcing I was going to be an artist. My friend Anna and I had a show in her bedroom and painted commissions for her parents. Shortly after that everyone told me that I would never make a living as an artist. Growing up I tried a lot of other things, but never really loved any of them. In the end it was proving to myself that I could be an artist which motivated me to come to Cornish.
Current Projects:
More maps! I'm doing a series of six maps all based on abstract paintings done last year. There are about what it is to be lost and find your way. I'm also taking book binding which is the coolest class ever. So maps, books, there are endless possibilities here.
Hometown:
I grew up in Bellevue, so Seattle is different in little ways, but not unfamiliar. It's the difference of going to a more densely populated city after living in a more dispersed and wealthy suburbia. I like the city better, though it took some time.
Why Cornish:
I had always casually thought about Cornish, but never had the nerve to apply. Then I ended up needing to stay in Seattle for school, so I felt I should at least try. In retrospect there is more I wish I had learned about the school and the art department, but I am glad I came here.
Experience:
My experience here has been interesting and entirely unexpected. There is a lot of freedom in the art department to express yourself using a variety of mediums in almost any way you choose. I really appreciated that. On the other hand, there are a lot of times when I wish things had been tighter and more structured. Cornish is what you make of it. You are constantly being presented with new and interesting opportunities, but they're no good to you if you don't proactively take them. You need to be active on your own behalf and you can get a lot to happen for you.
Hobbies:
Hummmm...I dance while I'm painting, I rock climb-though that isn't so quirky... And I like to bake cupcakes when I'm stressed.
In 5 Years:
Painting and more painting. My goal is to open my own business after I graduate and use that to support and promote my work and the work of other grads. Hopefully in five years it will be off and running and I will be doing some fabulous residency in Italy to make work for the next year.
Advice:
Think very clearly about exactly what you want. Then come in to your prospective department and talk to EVERYONE. Talk to the teachers, the students, the janitor. Anyone you can get to really give you an idea of what this school is all about. Don't expect anything to be handed to you either. This isn't the type of school where things just work out all the time. From a supportive circle of friend to scholarships to who you meet professionally, you need to work for it. That said, if you put in the time and effort it pays off amazingly.
Process:
Ohhhhh, very tricky. It always started out as something intuitive, I enjoying working with a particular color or paint. Then as I think about what is important or challenging to me at the time the piece slowly becomes about the things 'm working in. I don't keep a sketchbook, but next to each painting I have sheets and sheets of paper describing all my ideas, questions and thoughts about the work. It keeps me interested and focused so that I'm able to make concious choices and watch the work evolve.