Jennifer Balkan on Process, Atelier Dojo, and Her Unconventional Path

On the FASO podcast, Jennifer Balkan, an oil painter and art educator from Austin, Texas, shares insights about her artistic path. Although she holds a PhD in behavioral neuroscience and sociology, a life-changing visit to Paris in 2001 led her to dedicate herself to art full-time. Her scientific expertise enhances her figurative pieces, which explore emotional resonance, optical color blending, and visible brushwork. In 2018, she co-established Atelier Dojo, an atelier program in Austin that fosters the unique voices of its students. During the pandemic, she explored new mediums like Posca markers and Bic pens, invigorating her work. Balkan highlights the importance of enjoying the creative process, maintaining diverse income sources, and consistent practice, with upcoming exhibitions and workshops on the horizon.