We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Claussen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Jennifer, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My strong work ethic undoubtedly stems from my family. Raised within a lineage of industrious individuals and entrepreneurs, I learned values of diligence and perseverance from a young age. Witnessing my parents juggling multiple jobs to provide for our family, ensuring not only sustenance but also the occasional local getaway to rejuvenate from suburban life, instilled in me a profound appreciation for hard work and the importance of rewarding yourself for it.
My parents took meticulous care of their possessions, often crafting furniture and window treatments themselves for our first home, while finding solace in gardening or thoroughly detailing our cars. Undoubtedly, their upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping their ethos, with my maternal grandparents running a custom clothing shop and my paternal grandparents establishing a successful furniture business despite facing language barriers. Their legacies continue to inspire me, fostering a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and resilience in my endeavors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My artistic focus revolves around nature, considering it a vital aspect of life that warrants preservation for the collective benefit of our community. Nature’s presence offers essential mental, physical, and spiritual nourishment. Utilizing materials sourced from my outdoor experiences, I blend them with man-made elements to accentuate their colors, patterns, or textures, thereby enriching my creations.
Integrating natural elements into different environments sparks curiosity and enhances observation. In line with my artistic endeavors, I’m currently developing a program that encourages individuals to engage in artistic activities within local parks and natural landscapes. Beyond bestowing various health benefits upon participants, this initiative aims to emphasize the importance of conserving natural spaces for future generations.
As an eco-artist, my sculptures are crafted using elements sourced directly from nature. Each piece incorporates materials ranging from tree trunks and leaves to stones, items often overlooked or passed by unnoticed. Drawing from my background in photography, I’ve honed the skill of stillness and keen observation, allowing me to appreciate the intricate details of the natural world. Immersed in nature, I find myself captivated by its beauty, and the fragments I gather serve as tangible reminders, evoking the emotions I experience in its presence.
You can find my distinctive creations showcased at Conroe Art League, Ardest Gallery, The Spring Cottage, and Archway Gallery, with plans to expand into additional galleries in the near future.
Embracing my eco-friendly ethos, I’ve repurposed local wine barrels into wall sculptures, each bearing a unique style crafted through various techniques. The ingenuity of these pieces captured the attention of a winery in the Texas Hill Country, leading to the completion of a monumental 5×20-foot wall sculpture inspired by my Un-Coopering series. You can admire this impressive installation at Uplift Vineyards, where it beautifully complements their award-winning wines.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband, my long-time best friend, has been invaluable in my career journey. I admire his proficiency in navigating and understanding diverse technical domains. It’s truly humbling and almost surreal to witness his admiration for my latest achievements in sports or art. Over 30 years, he has continually strengthened my confidence, encouraging me to express myself authentically and strive for the next level.
Growing up around a lineage of engineers and carpenters —his father and grandfathers included, passed on invaluable lessons and a plentiful amount of tools. Their patient and straightforward teaching style nurtured my interest in mechanics, particularly muscle cars, a passion I likely inherited from my father. From maintaining dirt bikes to generators, these men generously shared their expertise, sparking my curiosity in power tools and woodworking. Mastering the use of motorized vehicles and tools not only boosted my confidence but also expanded my skill set.
Despite occasional conflicts with my ethos of nature preservation, I’ve learned to balance the use of motorized equipment, recognizing its role in enhancing my delight in nature. Technical challenges often lead me to innovate, like devising sturdy yet visually light sculptures through reverse engineering. Collaborating with my husband has been instrumental in refining my ideas through trial and error—a luxury not so conveniently found in the broader artist community.
Acknowledging my writing limitations, I appreciate my husband’s knack for simplifying complex thoughts. His calming presence during presentations ensures I deliver with confidence. Although I’ve acquired significant knowledge in business practices and marketing, I believe that the foundational support provided behind the scenes is crucial for fostering the mindset necessary for achieving remarkable growth and executing original ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferclaussen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_claussen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferclaussenart
