Tue, 25/07/2023 - 14:01
Sustaining creativity with eco-friendly concepts
Jenny Marshall describes herself as a sustainable fine artist. She works primarily on reclaimed wood, combining her process with the existing marks, grazes and bruises on the wood. Consisting mainly of 2D pieces, her work is very highly textured and layered but from time to time she will also produce 3D work. Jenny is keen on her work being environmentally friendly, ‘My practices are as sustainable as possible, taking very little from our planet except inspiration. I am interested in the human relationship with the environment and this relationship has a reciprocal impact. My fascination with wood fits into this perfectly.’
Jenny explains that being sustainable means she can focus on sustainability as a leading principle in her work. From using rainwater to working outside in daylight, repurposing materials and physical labour above electricity. Ethically sourcing materials and working locally to reduce emissions and using locally sourced materials. All her substrates are reclaimed wood, and she uses a range of repurposed tools and minimises paint and wood waste throughout her work.
Jenny feels that her work is a conversation between herself, the wood and the paint/media she is working with. Restoring and reclaiming the wood helps her to read and understand it whilst also allowing her to pick up hints of the direction that something might go in. However, Jenny says that she generally has an intention in her work. Exploring the interaction between wood, paint/media and her intentions, gives rise to all sorts of adventures and journeys that finally lead to finished pieces – sometimes this is quick, sometimes much, much longer.
Jenny Marshall joined Banks Mill as an Affiliate Member with a view to building up her exposure and authority whilst increasing her audience. She has exhibited in several galleries this year as well as taken part in Derbyshire Open Arts. She now wants to explore other aspects of marketing her creative business with Banks Mill enjoying the support and interaction with a community of peers, linking in with others and learning from fellow members. She’s also looking forward to exploring ways to develop her business using her artworks, exploring developmental strategies that are sustainable and rely on more than just selling individual artworks.
To see more of her work, visit the website, Facebook and follow on Instagram