Jean Van Harlingen began her art career early in life. By the end
of her senior year of high school she had already been featured in a
one person show. Jean's passion for art was matched only by her love of
athletics. She began her career working in oils and a few sculptures.
After high school she attended Ohio State University and took a
double major in art and physical education. She received her bachelor's
degree in physical education in 1970. One evening, while attending a
mandatory modern dance concert, she had an epiphany. It was this night
that inspired her to work with modern dance, not as a dancer but as an
artist. This event has inspired Jean's work to this day. She has
combined the three dimensional aspects of dance with sculpture.
After Ohio State she attended Columbus College of Art and Design
where she studied painting for a year. Then in 1973 Jean went to Tyler
School of Art, Temple University where she received her master's degree
in fine arts (sculpture).
Jean has worked in oils, sculpture and of course fiber. She has been
invited to produce a number of site works all over the US and in
Europe. Through the 1980's and 90's she spent the majority of her time
working in fiber, for which she has achieved great acclaim. Her earlier
fiber works utilized natural fibers and colors including things like
pine needles, leaves and mica. From there she moved into abstract works
using pigmented (dyed) pulps, where color and form combine to produce
provocative and strangely alluring pieces.
Digital media creations began with paint dropped on glass slides scanned to
computer. This has progressed to digitally enhanced photos and digital works
from scratch. This new experiment in digital art, is unique in that
pieces are completely digital in origin and do not exist in any
other form. For more detailed information on Jean's accomplishments click the
links below.
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