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Collection Overview
Title: Robin Jensen Collection, 1962-1994
ID: COLL/144
Primary Creator: Robin Jensen (1929-)
Extent: 2.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Folder level description
Abstract
Professor of art at Calvin College. The collection includes: articles, pamphlets, books, cartoons, catalogues, prints, photographs, and other publications designed and illustrated by him.
Biographical Note
Artist and art educator, Robert “Robin” A. Jensen’s approaches his life and art through his philosophy of “Jauntin.” Jauntin is defined as, “a life journey, full of creative adventures, glorifying growth and wonderful surprises.” Jensen’s inspiration is drawn from comic books; superheroes, science fiction, and most importantly jazz.
Jensen attended Ohio University for his undergraduate and graduate career. It was at the university where Jensen was first exposed to jazz where he expressed it as a “happy and groovy life with creative freedom (improvisation) and new discoveries.” These elements were greatly influential in his art creation. After receiving his M.F.A in 1952, he joined the United States Air Force as an artist/illustrator. While stationed in Florida he met his bride-to-be Ellinore.
Jensen earned his teacher’s certificate and taught high school art for two years. He joined Calvin College’s faculty in 1964 as professor of art. He served Calvin College until his retirement in 1995. In honor of his retirement, Jensen was featured in Calvin College’s art gallery with his own exhibition, entitled Drawin’ Away. Although retired he continued to create art as well as teach the occasional art class.
Another passion of Jensen is bicycling. Bicycling is at times even a subject in this artwork. Jensen has also entered and won art competitions. His art has also entered the public sphere a number of times; including works showcased at libraries, churches, and parks.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: Articles],
[
Series 2: Books],
[All]
- Series 1: Articles
- Box 1
- Folder 1: "Robin Jensen," article by Mary Gerard for Art 325, Western Michigan University
- Folder 2: Two articles by R. Jensen on "Jaunt," his sculpture on the College Campus, two photos
- Folder 3: Article by R. Jensen on the sculpture, Spark --- February 1978
- Folder 4: Pamphlet on Departmental Banners, including the design of each department with and explanation of its meaning.
- Folder 5: "Picto-jauntin' with Robin" --- 1986
- Series 2: Books
- Box 1
- Item 1: Book: Never On Your Own, by Gordon Spykman, illustrated by R. Jensen --- 1962
- Item 2: Book: Church Tid Bits, Zondervan --- 1970
- Item 3: Book: Cop-Outs, Zondervan --- 1972
- Item 4: Booklet: Id-bits, CRBHM --- undated
- Item 5: Artist book: "Picto-Jauntin' in Oz" --- 1994
- Item 6: Artist book: "A Fantastic Bicycle Jaunt" --- undated
- Item 7: Artist book: "Street Piano Man" --- undated
- Item 8: Artist book: "Coping with the Second Touch" --- undated
- Item 9: Artist book: "Golem" --- undated
- Item 10: Artist book: "Photo-Jauntin'" --- undated
- Item 11: Artist book: "Celebrating with Banners: A Liturgical Banner Sketch Book" --- undated
- Item 12: Artist book: "God Spoke to Jonah" --- undated
- Box 2
- Item 13: Booklet: "Jauntin' with Visual Art" text book for Art 151 --- undated
- Item 14: Booklet: "Jauntin' with Photography" text book for Art 360 --- undated
- Item 15: Booklet: "Jauntin' with Drawing" text book for Art 209-210 --- undated
- Item 16: Booklet: "Jauntin' with Design" text book for Art 205 --- undated
- Item 17: Artist book: "Miles" --- undated
- Item 18: Artist book: "Angels in Disguise" --- undated
- Item 19: Artist book: "John Coltrane" --- undated
- Item 20: Artist book: "New York City Subway Jazz" --- undated
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: Articles],
[
Series 2: Books],
[All]
