See more of Jenny’s work at: www.jennyclark.artweb.com
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am an ambitious, outgoing student, who loves to express the atmosphere through the concept of phenomenology.
How and when did you start out as a painter?
I first started painting at A-Levels at sixth form in Scarborough. The coast inspired me, not just the beautiful views around where I lived but also the sound, smell and feel of the sea. I also grew up on a small farm which encouraged me to paint buildings, where I perused paintings in my BTEC foundation course. Buildings which were derelict and abandoned interested me, which once held character and life. At present I enjoy creating small sketches of landscapes en plein air, then taking them home to produce a larger scale piece.
What training did you have?
As well as A-Levels, I also attended a art and design foundation course in Scarborough. I was taught by a few artist, one being Kane Cunningham, who inspired me. Also we had guest talks from artists such as Len Tabner and Peter Hicks, who painted the same scenery as me in the North York Moores, so that was very interesting to hear their story. During my education I learned how to use various mediums, like oil paint and gloss, this broadened my artistic horizon.
What has been your best creative achievement so far?
So far, I would say that my best achievement would be all the painting I have produced. I am happy with all of them and even now looking back to them they take my into their world. I hope other people an enjoy my pieces as much as I do.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
‘Phenomenology means to let that which shows itself be seen from itself in the very way in which it shows itself from itself’ – Martin Heidegger
‘The body is our general medium for having a world’ – Maurice Merleau- Ponty
Who is your favourite artist?
Michel Keck, also know as The Raw Artist. I love her abstract paintings, which are dark yet uplifting simultaneously. Many of my painting have been inspired by hers.
What are you aiming for?
I want to keep painting what I love, as well as aiming to get my work out there so others can experience it.
How will you get there?
I will get there by the website created with the help of Artweb, http://jennyclark.artweb.com/. Hopefully this website will help get me know and let others find and appreciate my work.
Is anything holding you back?
Nothing is holding me back, I am just waiting for people to acknowledge me.
You and painting
What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?
With my paintings I get personally attached when creating them. Therefore when people encounter them and approach me with compliments, I am always surprised that other people are joined in the atmosphere of the work. Many of my Building collection are stated to be very subtle and simple but effective, which is the way I was aiming for in the paintings.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
Between 3 to 6 weeks. I like to give the painting a good go and then approach it later at another time when I’m in a different mindset. The seascape section there are a couple of painting which I used Peter Hicks technique of pouring watery paint on a flat canvas and wait for it to dry to add another layer of watery paint. These methods took a long time, as I had to wait for the paint to dry each time. Also oil paints take a while to dry, therefore to add various layers i have to wait for the paint to dry.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
I listen to various music, one being classical, such as the song Clair De Lune. Also I listen to various singers consisting of James Vincent McMorrow, Ben Howard, Lucy Rose and Benjiman Francis Leftwich. Recently I produced a painting of a concert for my friend who is in a band, while painting the piece I listened to their live music.
What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?
I am going to continue to produce work, maybe a new subject for a collection. I also want to explore more exhibitions in local galleries, to gain inspiration for my future paintings. Another factor I want to work on is my Artweb website, I want to keep it up to date, as well as keep adding relevant information about me and my work.
Being inspired by painting
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
Len Tabner, even with his age he still explores landscapes over night to experience their sunset and sunrise. On the roughest of seas he explores out to the ocean in a little boat and his paints to create a great piece of work. This dedication to getting the perfect scenery and environment for his desired painting is inspirational.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
Phenomenology inspires me terrifically, to experience something wonderful in the first person point of view. Including Psychogeography ‘the study of specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not on the emotions and behaviours of individuals’ as described by Guy Debord. These theories is what inspires me while painting.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
I can not put a label on one particular piece of work for being my favorite, as every painting has a different meaning to me. When I observe them individually they all send out a different message to me personally.
a painter’s advice
Have you got any advice for those starting out as a painter?
Well I am also starting out as a painter, but my advice is to stick with it. Keep painting what you believe in and what you want to express.
