Meet the Artist: Lydia Jenson

Lydia Jenson is a young, aspiring artist who works in a variety of mediums. She was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, and has been living in San Diego County for most of her life.

The Love of Painting

Her love for painting was developed through an upbringing that encouraged curiosity and expressionism. Coming from a large family cultivated the need for individuality and the importance of having strong outlets to express herself.

She works primarily in oils. Self-taught before seeking an education in art, she attends Cuyamaca College. She has taken part in student art shows for Cuyamaca as well as an exhibit for the Heritage of Americas Museum, expanding her reach in the community. In addition, Lydia is pursuing studies in the field of psychology. Her other interests include playing guitar and viola, writing, and hiking.

Uncensored Expressionism

The need for uncensored expressionism has always been an important part of the craft for Lydia. She is an artist-craftswoman who believes in separating art from its materialistic value.

Lydia feels the pressure to produce work that is easily commodified, commercialized, or appealing to the public restricts artistic expression. Which is why she values organizations like the Wieghorst Museum where there is space for art to simply be art. For her, museums strengthen community bonds and support local artists in their quest to find an individual voice. They are essential for stoking creative passion.

Western People and Landscapes

Lydia’s series on Western people and landscapes has elements of realistic and surrealistic techniques. The scenes focus on the chaos and spirit of the American culture, from men falling off bucking horses to the adventurous wandering in endless expanses of land. The paintings have a dynamic life to them. The usage of bright, bold colors – contrasting the more natural foliage – purposely stands out. It draws the viewer in. The obscuring of the person’s details like hands and face erases their human identity, history, and who that individual was, leaving just the energetic impression the American West left behind.