About Jen

Jennifer Carlson is an Australian painter based in Northern New South Wales. Working from her studio in the Northern Rivers Region, her deep attachment to her natural surroundings is reflected in her large-scale abstract paintings.

Jen's artistic journey has been shaped by her background as a hair and makeup artist in the entertainment industry, as well as her deep love of colour and textile design. These influences provided an invaluable foundation for cultivating her art practice.

After studying textile design in Sydney and attending printing workshops in India, Jen's perspective continues to be shaped by years of behind-the-scenes experience, which remains apparent in the aesthetic sensibilities of her current practice.

Artist Statement

My creative path is deeply intertwined with my decades-long meditation practice, which I began in my mid-thirties.

At its core, my work is an inward exploration. As I move between the polarities of calm and passion, discipline and freedom, I invite viewers to join me in that eternal dance between opposing forces.

Working with spontaneous and exploratory mark-making, I hope to transfer the energetic resonance of my surroundings.

This process creates subtle biomorphic, organic forms reminiscent of those often found in nature, guiding the paintings to become portals into those experiences.

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snake skin colours paint bottles paint brushes artist studio

Group Exhibitions

  • 2025 - ‘Hibiscus on the River’ Ninbella Gallery Bangalow, Nsw

  • 2022 – Less is More, Art Lovers Australia, Gold Coast

    Solo Exhibitions

  • 2021 - ‘The In-Between’ Finite Art Gallery, Brisbane

Education

  • 2022 – Masterclass – Design Techniques, Firebird Studio, QLD

  • 2022 – Advanced Clay Techniques – A Potters Journey, QLD

  • 2021 – Masterclass – Hand Build, Firebird Studio, QLD

  • 2021 – Masterclass – Wheel, Firebird Studio, QLD

  • 2020 – Design Principals, Nicolas Wilton, USA

  • 2017 – Intensive Colour Relationship Workshop, Merv Moriarty, QLD

  • 2015 – Folk Art Workshops, QLD

  • 2007 – Blocking Printing Workshop, Jaipur, India

  • 2007 – Indigo Dye Workshop, Jaipur, India

  • 2001 – Diploma in Textile Design, East Sydney Tafe