Jen

During 'careers day' my sights were set so well on a job as an artist.  But there was no information to be found.  Not a handy flyer to be had.  To this day I know that moment dulled my dreams, as well as the words of my teachers encouraging me to pursue something that pays.  The truth is, I think at that time it was not so straightforward to find a way as an artist.

My time at school gave me only a relative snippet of artistic style and medium experience, and I really had no idea where to begin.  I knew when I began painting again that I needed to explore and I was drawn to street art - and so I began with abstract, street-inspired pieces using acrylic.  A few years later, I now understand that this style of working was strongly linked to a lack of confidence in the same way that my focus on fantasy art at school was an avoidance tactic in exploring other genres.  I soon began exploring the human form and, being deeply connected with my own views on feminism, self-worth and body image I have been able to explore many areas of human emotion within my work.  

I have a real relationship with each person I paint - an ongoing connection whilst painting and even beyond.  I like to work spontaneously as much as possible; allowing the structure to form in its own way as my hand follows no set pattern.  I experience the most fun and excitement from painting when expression flows naturally, and that's usually tied to things being imperfect.