We recently connected with Josh Jensen and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

In my undergraduate degree, I majored in psychology and fine art. I went on to grad school and became a Marriage and Family Therapist. I continued to paint after I moved into a private practice setting. I began selling my work and the business of art grew to the point of being the main source of income for my family. I still practice as a therapist and find that the balance of the work enhances the skill and joy of both careers.

My art involves an action/response and is in the tradition of abstract expressionism. Therapy is much the same way. For the therapeutic relationship to work, both therapist and client need to engage in a spontaneous back-and-forth deepening of the conversation. A one-sided, preplanned conversation would only be a monologue and not likley to be therapeutic.

My practice of painting is about curiosity and engagement with what is right in-front of me to allow (and welcome) chaos and then bring about order. Chaos is what brings a piece to life and order is what makes it relatable. Having a dual career has served me well to practice all of these values as a therapist and as a painter.

Josh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I became an artist because I love it. It always has and always will be be part of who I am. Even if I didn’t make money from it, I feel compelled to make things and to express beauty. I believe the work wants to me made and it wants to be made by me.

I’m proud to have a process and style that is my own. I share a lot of videos and clips of the build up to the finished piece. I love sharing and inspiring others who want to be part of the process either because they love art and want to see how the piece came to life or because they are a artist who want to expand their skills.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I have no interest in buying NFT’s for myself and therefor I have not business selling something I don’t believe in.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It is so important to have a relationship with artworks that are created by fellow humans. Owning a painting and keeping in your home is one of the best ways to connect, support and enhance the creative mission of artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: jsjensenart.com
• Instagram: @jsjensenart