Maida Jaspersen - A Peek Into the Process
The concept of "Actions Express Priorities" has been on my mind for a while. I first heard about it from Jason Jaspersen, the sculptor and friend I featured in a previous post, and his daughter, Maida Jaspersen, embodies this idea. Maida, a senior at Bethany Lutheran College, is diligently working on her Studio Art Capstone project—a children's book depicting the biblical story of creation.
Maida and I got to know each other in 2018 when I began my career as a high school art teacher. I was fortunate to have her in some of my classes, and even then, though I lacked the words to articulate it, I sensed that she was someone who authentically lived out her faith through her art. The fusion of faith and art is evident in the work she creates, and I wanted to provide a glimpse into her unique artistic journey by showcasing her in her studio space.
I always seize any opportunity to visit an artist's workspace, and fortunately, Maida graciously welcomed me into hers. Her capstone work area is situated in the painting studio at Bethany, a space I've seen evolve countless times over the last fifteen years. Each artist who claims a corner of this studio brings a wholly unique world of their own. Maida's workspace effectively communicates her intentions, offering insight into her creative process. Her walls serve as a tapestry adorned with memories, ideas, notes, and inspiration, surrounded by the influences that continually shape her artistic vision.
Maida's artistic portrayal of the creation account is brimming with vibrant colors, rich compositions, and a distinct fusion of techniques and materials that are unmistakably her own. I'm eagerly anticipating Maida's book, and if you're interested in exploring more of her work, I highly recommend getting a copy of the children's book adaptation of the story of Esther that she illustrated.
For the remainder of the semester, I intend to revisit her studio and continue documenting her progress on this beautiful project, which clearly illustrates her unwavering dedication to her craft and her strong faith.
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