Utah native and Artexpo New York Spotlight Artist, Erik Jensen, is amping up the usage of recycled computer keys to make mesmerizing images with dyed keys. Married and with two kids in tow, Jensen creates in his home-based studio in Salt Lake City and travels all over the country to festivals and shows, and ships his art pieces to collectors all over the world.

“Due to the inside components of computer keyboards, they are recycled through an “e-waste” recycling company. However, did you know that keyboards can’t fully be recycled? Even though they shouldn’t, many end up in the landfill and hurt our environment. What I do is take what a lot of people consider to be trash and make them beautiful again. I get the broken-down boards that don’t function anymore, remove the keys and wash them, and then I dye some of them for colors and use the others as their natural colors. With a pixelation in mind, I then create with the keys an image that might look simply like a picture through your phone but up close are mesmerizing with colors and textures. I also include words or quotes with the characters of the keycaps to add an additional layer to the artwork, which makes it a great conversational piece.”

For Artexpo New York 2021, Erik Jensen will be displaying three portraits of influential people throughout history. The color palettes in this collection vary from soft and gentle to vibrant and bold colors.

Read more here > https://artbusinessnews.com/2020/05/meet-the-artist-erik-jensen/.

Don’t miss this talented artist October 28-31 at Pier 36. Booth #RA-9.

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A: I am Erik Jensen and I make art from recycled computer keys. Most people don’t take care of their computer keyboards and eventually throw them out. I find them, give them a little TLC, and turn them into a beautiful masterpiece. Each keyboard has an individual personality. Their characters, depth, and color make the art even better. 

Q: What is your background?

A: Having always loved art, I pursued a degree in Art Education, and after a couple of years of teaching, I decided to do my computer key art full time. I have been a full-time artist for two years now. 

Q: How do you work?

A: I work in silence. I am deaf and wear an implant, so I have the advantage of turning off my implant so I am left completely to my thoughts. Sometimes I do enjoy listening to a podcast when I work. My studio is my basement, so the commute is short. Process wise, to create a piece, I first create a design. Then after collecting, popping, and washing the keys, I dye whatever colors are needed for the piece. I lay the keys using the design as a guide and make adjustments I see necessary. Once completed to my satisfaction, I get the frame ready and install the artwork. 

Q: What art do you most identify with?

A: I identify most with found object art.

Q: What has been your favorite experience so far as an artist?

A: My favorite experience has either been seeing my artworks come to life with colors and pixels or the people I meet and watching their reactions to seeing my artwork for the first time.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: I love Jeff Koons, Nathan Sawaya, a lego artist, and Christo and Jeanne Claude for being so brave.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: Life is too short to be normal and like everyone else. Be different and embrace it. The world needs it.

Q: What you are not working, where can we find you?

A: If I’m not working, I’m either with my family or at church. Having two littles running around keeps my hands full at all times. I love to cook a lot too.

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