Artist Statement

The roots of my art lie in the process of collecting images, ephemera, and found objects, which I layer, alter, or arrange to create something new. I work both digitally (photo-collage and graphic design) and in more traditional forms (mixed-media collage/painting and jewelry made from found and vintage objects). No matter the medium, I prefer to work intuitively, letting each piece evolve over time and in unexpected directions. My work is more a form of exploration or play than a deliberate attempt at communicating a specific concept, although I do believe that images and objects can act as carriers of meaning and emotional resonance. I am interested in symbolism, wonder, hidden connections between things, the passage of time, imagined landscapes, ways of understanding the world, and dualities including the man-made vs. the natural worlds, light vs. dark (metaphorically and literally), and complexity vs. simplicity.

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Artist Biography

Jen McCleary is originally from Coatesville, Pennsylvania. She received her BFA in Painting/Printmaking from Tyler School of Art in 1999, a certificate in Print Design from University of the Arts in 2005, and a custom interdisciplinary MLA focusing on art and society from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. She works as a freelance artist and graphic designer.

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Education

2008
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Interdisciplinary MLA focusing on art history and society

2005
University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Continuing Education Certificate, Print Design

1999
Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Elkins Park, PA
BFA, Painting and Printmaking

Exhibitions

2014
Cut & Paste: New Mixed-Media and Digital Collages, The Hall, InLiquid at the Crane, Philadelphia, PA

Art Inspiring Art: works by visual artists who are inspired by the lighting, sets, characters, and stories of great films, InLiquid at Sundance, New York, NY
Curator: Sara McCorriston

2013
2013 Member Exhibition: Inliquid, PPAC, Second State Press, Ice Box Project Space and Grey Area, Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA

Selected Mixed Media Works, The White Space, VIUS, Philadelphia, PA

Selected Mixed Media Works, The Art of Framing, Jenkintown, PA

2012
Seasons of Change: Human/Nature, Urban Outfitters HQ, Philadelphia, PA
Curator: Jennifer Zwilling

2009
That Bites Group Exhibition, Soloveev Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

2008
7 Group Exhibition, Mercantile Home, Easton, PA

2007
Imaginary Landscapes, Regency Coffee, Lansdowne, PA

2006
Voxumenta Juried Group Exhibition, Vox Populi, Philadelphia, PA

2005
Digital Art Group Exhibition, Drizzle Gallery, Philadelphia, PA