about Jen


Jen Carlson is a painter based in the Northern Rivers, NSW — originally from Sydney, drawn to this quieter corner for its closeness to nature.

Her path here has been varied. She studied textile design, spent decades as a hair and makeup artist in the entertainment industry, and travelled through India exploring printing workshops.

Along the way, she has a built a body of large-scale, abstract gestural paintings.

Lately, that large-canvas chapter has taken a pause. Jen is moving toward something slower, with more breath — spending more time just being.

Available Work

creative statement

Meditation has been a part of my life since my mid-thirties, acting as an anchor, an opening, and a guide for both the process and outcome of my work.

My influences range from the natural world—the ocean, rivers, animals, and the sun—to music, vintage textiles, stained glass windows, and the wonderful Japanese art form of Sumi-e.

I love the feeling of being outdoors in the dirt, sitting amongst the rocks painting more with my hands rather than brushes and using objects found in nature letting the textures and marks of the outdoors lead the way.

Once finished, a painting must move along, attracting the person and the place it belongs.

I hope my work resonates with you.

View Gallery
snake skin colours paint bottles paint brushes artist studio

Group Exhibitions

  • 2026 - Selected works - Empire Revival, Murwillumbah

  • 2025 - Hibiscus on the River - Ninbella Gallery, Bangalow

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

  • 2018 - Flowers in Motion - Cafe Dbar, 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