Jen Clay
Professional Artist- focusing on sensory-inclusive textile art
Education: BFA in sculpture, UNC Charlotte (2010)
Hometown: Hickory, NC
Jen Clay’s early encounters with art were heavily influenced by popular culture, specifically through movies and television.
“Ghostbusters 2 made me want to be like Sigourney Weaver’s character, working on painting restoration in New York. Close Encounters of the Third Kind inspired me with its clay mountain scene, and Twister‘s grandmother character, who made kinetic sculptures, influenced me the most. Despite limited access to actual artworks or artists, these characters sparked my curiosity for art.”
Her curiosity about art grew over the years, ultimately leading her to study sculpture at UNC Charlotte, which she says provided her with many essential skills for her career.
“I learned the importance of planning, meeting deadlines, and working collaboratively. The program taught me to be resourceful, manage my time effectively, and create detailed instructions for installing and packing my work. It also helped me articulate the reasons behind my art and build meaningful connections within the artistic community.”
One of her favorite and most valued experiences while at Charlotte was working with Professor Marek Ranis. “He demonstrated how artists approach their work and provided valuable opportunities for hands-on learning. We installed our works at the Levine Museum twice, sourced stones from a tombstone maker for a masonry lesson, collected metal at a scrap yard, and engaged in collaborative installation projects around campus. Marek encouraged us to always seek out opportunities and be proactive in our artistic endeavors. During a workday, part of my sculpture class started singing “Lean on Me” randomly in the sculpture studio. I think we were all tired and had brain scrambles but it makes me laugh every time I hear that song.”
Jen is currently a Miami-based artist focusing on sensory-inclusive textile art. Most of her pieces combine tactile and interactive elements to create something immersive and unique. She uses materials such as combined sewn textiles, soundscapes, and animations to evoke comforting and immersive experiences. Her work is represented by Emerson Dorsch Gallery, and she has exhibited at various venues, including the Girls Club Collection, Norton Museum, ICA Miami, MOCA North Miami, NSU Art Museum, and Locust Projects.
“One of my favorite projects since graduating is my most recent work for Locust Projects in Miami, Florida. It’s a video game created from textiles called Eyes of the Skin. This project is particularly special to me because it merges my love for tactile art with interactive digital media, creating a unique sensory experience. The game features hand-sewn textile environments and characters, accompanied by immersive soundscapes. The process of creating Eyes of the Skin allowed me to explore new ways of storytelling and engage audiences in a more intimate and interactive manner. It’s still being refined before its online launch, and I’m excited about its potential to connect with people on both a tactile and emotional level.”
Her advice for current students: “My advice for current students in the College of Arts + Architecture is to live in an area with frequent grants and open calls, not just annual ones. This can significantly ease the difficulty of sustaining an art career. Additionally, focus on building a good reputation where you live, as a strong local network can provide invaluable support and opportunities.”
Jen contributed work to the Generations exhibition in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Department of Art & Art History. Her “Longing Limbs (2022),” is quilted hand-dyed fabric.