Meet Lilly Jensen | Artist

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

Hi Lilly, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up in Los Angeles, California has impacted me in every way possible. Most of all, it made me an artist. Coming from an incredibly creative family, I too sought out interest in the making of art. Since before I turned three years old I have been drawing. Being surrounded by the mix of colorful buildings, greenery, and the melting pot of people which Los Angeles has to offer, my mindset was constantly set on vibrance, chaos, and depicting different perspectives. The sky is the limit in LA and as a little girl the sky was even taller and brighter than ever – drawing me (literally) to strive for creative originality and individuality. From a very young age, it matter so much to me that I presented myself and my art in a way which would cause others to think outside the box.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art style visualizes a certain vibrance and movement which life brings. I strive to take characters and put them in situations which are interesting for the viewer to depict. I aspire to create not just what is realistic, but the feeling behind the moment or intention of the art. My most preferred mediums at the moment are crayons, markers, acrylic paint, and sharpie. I never shy away from creating something that I think might be difficult because to me, art is not something that can be done wrong. Challenging art is an invitation to understand the beauty of the world a little more.

Now, as a student, I treat art as an all-consuming hobby. I am a film student at Hofstra University so I use my art to inspire my own films and music. Art has always been my calling, so I can’t help but integrate it in everything I do and make. It has never been easy for me to feel satisfied with my work, but I find that if I ever was truly satisfied I would not have the same amount of passion for my art anyways. I believe that taking more time to appreciate and in return recycle the unique beauty which this world has to offer will heal many hardships in our lives. If my art can in anyway make someone laugh, smile, or go down a deep spiral of any sort of emotions, I will be fulfilled.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting me in LA, I would begin with a beautiful lunch picnic at a sunny park right by Universal Studios. We would draw and make collages while listening to music. We would stay there for a few hours and watch the sun go down. Once the sun is set we would go to The Edition Rooftop restaurant and bar. The view is amazing and the food is other-worldly. After this we’d start the second half of our night and meet up with some more friends. You’d find us dancing in West Hollywood at the club “The Abbey”. After a few hours of wild fun there, we would Uber to Mel’s diner and enjoy milkshakes and after-midnight food. Next, we would head back to my house and watch a 1980’s horror film.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My who family is to thank for my artistic abilities, but, specifically, my mom and my grandmother are my main inspirations. My mom has always had an eye for design, specifically organization and color combination. From a young age she showed me how to dress, decorate my room, and how to present myself to others positively. She always encouraged my artistic vision and trusted my perspective, telling me that she knew I had potential in various creative outlets. She is to thank for fueling the soul in my art through all these years. My grandmother also inspires me greatly with her artistic abilities. She has spent her life painting art pieces and houses. As a little girl I gained much of my style from the inspiration of my grandmother’s artistic eye. I believe most of my artistic ability has been passed down from her to me and I am forever thankful for that. I always try to leave a little bit of my grandmother in my artwork to show the impact she has had on me.

Instagram: lillyjensenart

Youtube: @lillyjensen621

Image Credits
Hayley Kastner (credit for personal photo of myself)