Photos
Jennifer’s Story
Jennifer Mead is a Tucson-based mixed-media collage artist and creative leader whose work lives at the intersection of design, storytelling, and community. With nearly fifteen years of experience in branding, web design, and creative strategy, her perspective is shaped by a deep understanding of visual systems, composition, and narrative.
Her professional work centers on place-based storytelling, connecting people to the identity and culture of a place through design. This same sensibility carries into her studio practice, where she creates mixed-media collage under the name Fractured Curio. Working with vintage ephemera, paint, and found materials, she builds layered compositions that feel playful, surreal, and emotionally resonant.
Mead’s work explores themes of memory, nostalgia, absurdity, and the female experience. While her background is largely digital, her art practice offers an analog counterbalance guided by intuition, experimentation, and discovery.
In addition to her studio work, Mead is an active part of Tucson’s creative community. She has led and supported initiatives that bring artists, designers, and entrepreneurs together, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and building meaningful creative connections. ..
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hinckley, Minnesota – a small, rural town in the east central part of the state. Cold winters and lush green summers, all filled with plenty of outdoor adventures and roaming around town with friends.
Tell us about your family
I moved to Tucson 18 years ago and while most of my family is still in the midwest or spread out across the country, I’ve built a strong sense of community here. Close friends in Tucson have become like family, and I think of Tucson as home. I live downtown with my partner, Dustin, and our cat.
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them?
Dude the cat is my loyal sidekick and pride and joy. He is a big boy and while he is technically in his older years he has not lost his youthful energy or charm. He recently had the opportunity to be in a photoshoot and design project but he’s not letting the fame go to his head.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
I always admired artists but only recently have embraced the title myself. When I first moved to Tucson I had planned to pursue a masters degree in Classics to build on an undergrad that included ancient languages. But, after a summer intensive Latin class, I realized that while I loved dead languages, and always dreamed of being an Indiana Jones type, I did not want to pursue a career in academia.
That shift led me to discover graphic design and attend art school. After nearly fifteen years working primarily in digital design, I began exploring collage as a creative and therapeutic outlet, which eventually grew into my current art practice.
What is your favorite media to work with?
Collage and acrylic. I love starting with found imagery and building a story or new context around key pieces. The addition of acrylic or different photo transfer methods gives me more room to explore and create.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do?
When I am not making collage art, I am often designing websites, brands or other creative projects. My partner and I are big movie fans and you can frequently find us at the theater, especially for any new spooky or horror releases. I also love cooking and find a lot of satisfaction in creating something delicious out of whatever ingredients I have on hand.
Mixed Media by Jennifer Mead
These Originals are Sold in the Gallery and Subject to Availability. Please Call Today at (520) 606-5440 or Visit Us at The Gallery for More Information and to See These Amazing Mixed Media Artworks in Person
