April 26, 2023 – August 11, 2023
Canyon Country Community Center
18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351
Jennifer Van (1993 –) grew up in California’s Central Valley and lives in Santa Clarita, CA. She is pursuing an MFA in Photography and Related Media at the California Institute of the Arts. She is currently the director of Strata Gallery, a nonprofit gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Van’s photography contemplates themes of time, fragmentation, and identity. Her artwork has been exhibited in California, New Mexico, and New York.
SCVTV.com: Finding Art: Jennifer Van: The Space in Between
Q&A with Jennifer Van
What is your background? How did you get into art?
Originally, I was a trained classical pianist, but while I was in Junior College I transitioned into art as I always enjoyed creating things for other people. After Junior College, I went to California State University Stanislaus and worked toward my BFA in Graphic Arts and an BA in Art History. It was during my time at CSU Stanislaus that I realized my passion for photography, which felt like it opened up a new world for me as a form of expression. I am currently working towards my MFA in Photography and Related Media at California Institute of the Arts.
Tell me about your favorite medium.
Currently, my favorite medium is photography. Photography for me is a way to express myself and to find a way to relate to others. One of the beautiful things about photography is that it can capture a moment and preserve it as a slice of time. All we have are moments of time with each other and it is important to acknowledge how precious those moments are.
Do you have any tips for other artists who are just starting out?
Just take chances and be kind to yourself. For me, I went through many different paths before I reached a place that felt just right for me. Some people find their passions early which is great, and others take time to find what they truly believe in and that is okay too. But when you do find a medium that works for you, explore it, and know that over time it will change and evolve.
How long have you been creating?
While I have always been taking pictures even as a child, I started focusing on photography in 2018 while in college. I started to pursue art in general in 2011 when I graduated high school. In total that is 12 years of working as an artist! I don’t believe I will ever be done creating as art is a lifelong journey and I am excited to see what the future holds.
What motivates you to create?
My artwork comes from personal experience and I have found that artwork that comes from a personal space tends to relate to people around you. Art is a wonderful way to learn more about yourself and to have an outlet for expression. In addition, it can be a great way to build a community with those around you.
