Red Lodge Clay Center- Short Term Artist In Residence AIA 2025
Jen Selwyn first started working in clay more that 30 years ago while studying Art Education at Ball State University. Jen returned to clay a number of years later when she joined Annie’s Mud Pie Shop, Studio. (Now known as Queen City Clay). Moving to Wisconsin, South Carolina and finally Maui, Hawaii Jen built home studios along the way, where she developed her signature style(s). From leaves and forest themed to ocean and rainforest themed, Jen has always used nature as her inspiration.
In 2024, Jen presented at Clay Con West, sharing her “secret” to making really real looking leaves. Jen still makes her signature leaf bowls from time to time when she can get her hands on leaves. (From the Mainland, cause yes, they are different). These pieces are sold at a gallery in Stevens Point, WI.
In 2022, Jen started to take a deep dive into colored clay after taking a couple workshops with Dean McRaine on Kauai. Jen has been working to create a collection she calls “Seeking Aloha” using a variation of Mokume Gane technique. As well as a collection of Nerikomi pieces.
Jen sells this work as well as her other ocean themed collections at local galleries and markets on Maui.
“Do what you love, love what you do. Creating, with clay, is what Jen Selwyn loves to do most. Inspired by the nature that surrounds her on Maui, Jen makes ocean and rainforest themed pieces to sell at local galleries and markets. She mostly makes these pieces for tourist to take home memories of the island. Her latest work, Jen says is for her. Called “Seeking Aloha”. Jen uses Nerikomi and Mokume Gane techniques using colored stoneware clay to make brightly colored one of a kind pieces. Although Jen does sell these pieces as well, the process is more personal , almost meditative. Slowing down the creative process and enjoying making, finding Aloha in every piece.”- Selwyn