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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Scott sees – and creates – outside the box

Jen Scott is a photographer and a clothing designer. Her designs are sold at Glamarita in the Garland District. (Dan Pelle)
Jennifer LaRue Correspondent

Jen Scott’s work is visually stunning. From her photography and mixed media pieces to her fashion line, Scott’s creations exemplify thinking outside the box.

The roots of her endeavors grow in soil that is rich with layers of complex themes – what lies between waking and sleeping, the secrets contained within silence, and the emotional, subconscious, and physical act of surrendering. Even her clothing designs contain layers of thrift store finds – surrendered items that perhaps hold secrets or memories from previous owners. Much of her work contains elements of deconstruction; images and textiles cut or torn, fractured or faded.

Scott, 39, grew up in Casper, Wyo. Right out of high school, she decided to follow her creative passions. She and her high school sweetheart (now husband) enrolled at Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio.

“We knew that art was a risky profession but we decided to go for it,” she said.

He studied graphic art and she graduated with a bachelor’s degree concentrated in still-based media studies. In 2002, she earned a Master of Fine Arts from Eastern Washington University with a concentration in photography. “Once you know the rules, you can break them,” she said.

Crisp lines are few and far between in Scott’s final products. She is akin to a child who would rather go outside the lines in a coloring book to create a new notion and discover a new train of thought.

“Although the mixed media and clothing line are completely different in style, I can work with them in similar creative ways,” she said. “The clothing line has to do with creating with texture, and textiles, and I am able to explore new ways of creating garments. The fine art work is created in a similar way: freedom to explore, and play, while challenging myself in order to continue the discovery process.”

Since earning her master’s, Scott has taught photography at Spokane Falls Community College, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University. Her résumé includes dozens of exhibits, lectures and awards.

Unable to find a stable full-time teaching position, she dreamt up a new avenue of creativity.

“I had never sewn before, but the garments were very creative in the way they were being put together, and it intrigued me enough to spend the time and money to learn. I made a deal with my husband that if I made the investment in the equipment that I would make it up by selling some items,” she said. “The absolutely amazing part of the clothing line is that I can use my creative side in the construction and creation of each one-of-a-kind piece.”

Her clothing line, Jen-X Perspective, began less than a year ago and, within two months, she recouped her investment selling out of Glamarita, a shop in the Garland District. “I create the work that I do because I can’t imagine not doing it. Creating and being around creative people energizes me.”