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Robin Jensen Collection, 1962-1994

Collection Overview

Title: Robin Jensen Collection, 1962-1994

ID: COLL/144

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

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