There are no marked passageways for those that straddle the black lines of Theatre Arts, music, film and media. Throw in a taste for performance art and you have a talented individual that is headed for creating more than just the norm. Art in movement is beginning to explode with leaders like Jason Jenn who dare to think outside of the box and walk between the lines.
   In the purest of form, Jenn is a multimedia talented artist, one who not only can be categorized as an actor, but also a lyricist, a director, a designer of the theatre stages as well as a creative consultant. He can recall from his first stage appearance in the 1st grade, where he spent not much time thinking of anything else, but theatre and acting. At age 13, his mother presented him with a video camera and the sky became the limit. Armed with a double major in Theatre Arts and Film and Media Production from the University of Iowa, Jason made the leap to Los Angeles in 1998.
    Landing a job as a production assistant for TV and film art departments, Jason worked on scripts for screenwriting and started ReEvolutionary Productions, a multimedia company. While building his company, Jenn became interested in yet another art form, performance arts. Instructor and Icon, Rachel Rosenthal created an entirely new feel for theatrical improvisation, stage performance, and human psychology.Â
    One of Jenn’s most recent works is the well-accepted theatre presentation of “Cavafy’s Caress,†an intimate look into the life and work of Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy, which was staged in Long Beach, California. In addition to creating the performance from the novel, “My Cavafy†by Stathis Orphanos, Jenn portrayed Cavafy in the performance, which resulted in not only sold out dates, but also an Encore Presentation.
    Bringing essence to the life and time of Cavafy of Alexandria, Egypt in the late 19th century and transforming into a timeless display of his most valued poetry, gave praise to this artist. By seeking to master the sensitivity of Cavafy with his wise vision of youth, aging, sexuality, beauty and philosophy, Jenn was able to capture sameness in truth, as it still exists today through the work of Cavafy. By delivering clarity to the meaning behind a great, misunderstood poet, it is hoped that his words will begin to touch the lives of many in the modern world.
     It is no wonder that Cavafy’s 1911 Ithaka was selected by Jackie Onassis to be recited at her funeral. The poem brought beauty and solace to a lifetime of experience and advice that could only be so eloquently put by Cavafy. When creative work is universal and relevant to the past, presence and future, it must be revered and Cavafy’s Caress has handled this splendidly.
    Jason Jenn continues to work on projects as they present themselves but with promising theatrical productions like Cavafy’s Caress, Jason feels he has passed yet another milestone in his career. “I really had no idea just how much I would resonate with the work and how the exploration of his life would impact my own. Cavafy has so much to say about life: it’s exciting and has become a wonderful part of my own evolution.â€
    A resident of Los Angeles, California, Jenn travels frequently to New York City to absorb the wide variety of art that takes place regularly. For more on his so far life travels, see www.HiveWorld.org.
Editor’s Note: For the complete print version, see www.scribd.com/arttoartpalette/documents
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    “Who says you cannot tell a book by its cover? Well, Jason Jenn seems to be the whole Library of Congress and upon meeting him you think you are seeing a fine binding and one that definitely makes for the most fascinating read. He seems to be a shy gentleman, but as you talk more you find out there are more than chapters and volumes to this man. After reading this feature, I wonder if there is any end to his talents? He is certainly a man for all seasons and a jack of all trades. Of course, he is a poet and like Jean Cocteau, Jason unties and reties those lines into different forms of his artistry that defies specific disciplines or labels. This multifaceted artist takes on all art forms and succeeds with them all.
Tony Clark, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres,www.affinitygalleries.com
j.Reto
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The art of Jason Jenn lies in his passion and commitement to the piece. He is thoroughly absorbed in the work, which causes the audience to experience the work and not just view it. His art is intelligent, thought provoking and well crafted. I eagerly await his next project.
Anonymous
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Jason is a true artist….M.Fox
Tony Clark, Los Angeles
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“Who says you cannot tell a book by its cover?
Well, Jason Jenn seems to be the whole Library of Congress and upon meeting him you think you are seeing a fine binding and one that definitely makes for the most fascinating read.
He seems to be a shy gentleman, but as you talk more you find out there are more than chapters and volumes to this man.
After reading this feature, I wonder if there is any end to his talents? He is certainly a man for all seasons and a jack of all trades. Of course, he is a poet and like Jean Cocteau, Jason unties and reties those lines into different forms of his artistry that defies specific disciplines or labels.
This multifaceted artist takes on all art forms and succeeds with them all.
Tony Clark, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres,www.affinitygalleries.com
Cliff Satriano
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I’ve joined Jason on several of his New York excursions to absorb artwork. He is one of the few that truly appreciates what he sees. I’m not surprised he found this new position. I love seeing a person do what they are born to do.
R. Sky Palkowitz, The Delusional Diva
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17 years of working with Jason, my art partner soars! He is the cream in my coffee, the sugar in my pie and the inspiration that keeps me on track. Together, we make beautiful art and the union of Delusional Diva Productions and ReEvolutionary Productions has birthed and re-birthed many great images, sounds, visions, moments…Keep on the lookout for our ten year reunion of Hollywood’s underground performance party scene known as “The Phyllis Garage Ten Year Reunion” or PGX! Jason, my alien brother, you rock! http://www.delusionaldiva.com
nikki
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“Jason unties and reties those lines into different forms of his artistry that defy specific disciplines or labels”–indeed! I’ve always known Jason to be a rare shining light with a keen ability to penetrate the surface and explore life’s interior tapestries with an authentic and determined intent. The creative process that arises in the mix is nothing short of a joy to experience. So glad to see him receiving the recognition he so deserves.
Jason Jenn
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Thank you for the beautiful article and comments. For those interested there are more pictures from the Cavafy’s Caress performance at this link:
http://hiveworld.org/jason/performance/cavafy.html
It’s truly been an honor and splendid surprise to read such wisdom in his works and reflect upon my own journey through his exquisite lens. Cavafy wrote:
Ideal and beloved voices
of those who are dead, or of those
who are lost unto us like the dead.
Sometimes they speak to us in our dreams;
sometimes deep in thought the mind will hear them.
And with their voices for a moment
sounds return from the first poetry of our life —
like distant music that fades away in the night.
His voice returns from the past in his beautiful poems for us to cherish and I hope more people will have the opportunity to experience them firsthand in future productions of Cavafy’s Caress.
Larry Levi
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Jason offered me a role in the Cavafy play and I was taken over by the man spirit as I began readling his lines. What a masterful production Jason put together. Stay tuned, as he’s planning on doing an L.A. Cavafy show very soon. Jason has been help me develop my own performance piece and he has been immensely helpful.
Eric Casaccio, Los Angeles
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“Leaders like Jason Jenn who dare to think outside the box and walk between the lines” is just an understatement for Jason Jenn. He is an artistic genius that creates with nothing but complete and total authenticity. Over the years his work has touched my heart in so many different ways. I am so happy for him and everything he accomplishes on his life’s journey.
Jamie
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It has been a privilege of the highest order to know Jason both through his superb presentation of the poetry, wisdom and passion of C.P. Cavafy and as a real, immediate and successful protagonist for beauty in every aspect of his creative life. I am grateful for Jason, a gift to all who know him.
Steve
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Jason is superb.
Tony Clark
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It’s nice to see Jason recognized as the gem he is. Thank you for your inspiration, Jason.
Lan
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Wow! Whereas most people make art, Jason lives it!
Lee Wind
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The genius of Jason is that the rest of us walk into a gallery, look at the pictures framed on the wall and think, “ahh, there’s the art.” Meanwhile, Jason’s still outside, brushing off some graffiti on the sidewalk, and a crowd will gather to watch him, to try to see what he sees. Why? Because Jason understands that EVERYTHING is art. He’s an inspiration, and it was so fun to read this feature about him! Thanks and Namaste, Lee – http://www.leewind.org
Liz Maas
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Jason Jenn is an amazing artist, who is full of vibrant ideas that are intricately woven together!
Ross D Frankel
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JJ demonstrated considerable passion and research. He presented his work capably within a specific performance style well-suited for Cavafy’s material plus space and all the behind-the-scenes opportunities and limits. I look forward to his continued growth and his increasingly professional expression in all facets of performing arts.
Bob Ames
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After enjoying several of Jason’s pieces, I must say, that my enjoyment is surpassed by the sheer possibility that his inspiration might lead others to experiment with their creativity. His example as a fearless creator sets the bar very high and only the future will show what Jason’s real legacy is.