Meet Sarah Gunia-Jensen | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Gunia-Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always had a strong passion for art, thinking creatively and experimenting. I chose to take an artistic career to use the skills that I am best at, enjoying the process of creation, and for others to enjoy my work as much as I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Having a passion for painting, printmaking and photography is only a small aspect of how my art is created. I create my mixed media collages with unconventional items and focus on unique illusions with textures and depth in my art. By doing so, I am experimenting a lot with different odd mixed-media materials to create textures and different processes..

I do a lot of experimenting to create without the proper needed equipment, such as a printing press. I have used my car as a printing press by driving over my lino-cut block to create layered relief prints. With these prints, I also create collages. Since not all prints turn out perfect when you drive over them with a car, I use them to create a whole new artwork.

I am also experimenting with LED lights in my art as well. This is still an experiment in the works, but so far I am happy with the results and the effects the lights add to the collages. With the lights, I am also experimenting with the housing of art, whether I build a shadow box, or re-purpose an old frame for my art.

Most of my work gives out a vintage/retro vibe. Whether it be an old classic auto or certain color combinations, my work will remind you of a different time.

I got to the point I am today with the support from my family. I took a creative “break” not really using my artistic skills for ( about 15+) years. In 2016, we moved to Clear Lake area, and I decided it was time to finish my fine art degree that I had started in the early 2000’s, since there was University of Houston-Clear Lake right down the road. My parents and husband Tim supported the idea to complete my art degree. It was scary going back to school especially being older than most students and after a “creative break” for years, As of this past December 2021 I have completed my degree and it was the best choice I have ever made. Not only for the degree, but for the advice from my professors, their support, plus the awesome art community that we have at the school is priceless.

What people should know about me and my story is, that I am not done learning. I am going to keep creating and experimenting always to find new ideas and processes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in the city and around Houston area are:

For Eats and drinks I visit,

EADO : Tiny Champions, Nancy’s Hustle, Eighth Wonder
San Leon : Gilhooley’s
Webster : Nobi Public House, Hyde Park,
Houston Heights : Dan Electros, re:Hab Bar on the Bayou, Big Star Bar

for visits:

The Houston Zoo
Galveston – just take adventure 🙂
Sawyer Yards Complex
Mill Hollow- our family farm
Maas Nursery

I enjoy being outside. Whether it be on a patio, camping with friends, at the nursery or zoo, or just enjoying your coffee on the porch or strolling thru an art market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I need to shoutout to my family! They have been the rock and supported me since I was a kid, supporting my art 100% encouraging ideas and ways to expand my artistic ways.

My Husband also needs a HUUUUGGGGEEEE shoutout for putting up with my ideas and also helping me improve them with his engineering knowledge and awesomeness!.

I would also like to give a shoutout to all of my art professors at University of Houston-Clear Lake. They have given me so much wisdom and helped me become a better artist with their teachings and advice.

Website: http://www.millhollowstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahguniajensen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahGuniaJensen/

Other: Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyLoneStarArt