Nature’s Imprint Q+A with Featured Artist Kelly Jenkins
How Do You Incorporate Sustainability In Your Artistic Practice? What Challenges Have You Encountered When Creating Sustainable Art?
Sustainability factors continually influence my daily decision making; from sourcing appropriate materials to being mindful of my environmental imprint when I am painting en plein air.
I have a responsibility to conduct my art practice in an environmentally friendly manner and work with companies and suppliers that are driven by sustainability. Such as Madeira, who are my embroidery threads supplier and whose threads are manufactured using the most ethical and sustainable processes through a responsible supply chain. I also source my professional paints from Golden, not only because they are excellent quality but for the company’s active commitment to sustainability. To protect and sustain precious water resources they use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtering system that allows them to reuse over two thirds of their cleaning water each day.
By using minimal and sustainably sourced materials, I can combine artistic concepts and craftsmanship into stunning fine art pieces that have the least impact on the environment and do not compromise on luxury.
What Inspired You To Explore Sustainable Practices Or Environmental Images In Your Work?
Connecting with the natural world through painting is an important form of mindfulness and has personally helped heal past trauma. The process of painting en plein air grounds me and instils a calm sense of awareness, feeling, and being part of something much bigger than the self.
Conceptually grounded, my work involves making the unseen seen through data visualisations. Creating aesthetically striking interpretations of the digital self set within the natural world, my art explores humanity's relationship with itself and the natural environment, unveiling interconnectedness and unity.
What Does It Mean To You To Be A Part Of ‘Nature’s Imprint: A Journey Through Time and Art’?
Landscape as an art genre has a tremendous power to connect us with nature and each other. It unites humanity back to its roots and deepens our appreciation and respect for the natural world and our place within it.
Through the language of art, this exhibition creates an important platform to bring environmental topics to the fore and sustainability into focus. Collectively engaging the viewer with art that resonates the importance of the natural world’s fragility and beauty. This exhibition fosters a sense of shared responsibility, wonder and respect for the landscape around us and our world as a whole.
In Your Opinion, What Role Does Art Play In Addressing Environmental Issues?
Sustainable artwork has the power to open important dialogues to the viewer. It bridges the gap between creating a stunning aesthetic experience and promoting environmental responsibility and awareness.
What Do You Hope Viewers Take Away From Your Art?
My embroidered landscape abstractions embody the idea of unity and oneness, symbolising the interconnectedness of all things. Their bright neon circular pops of tactile colour stitched into the soft muted tones of the painting express a universal positive energy, one of hope, unity and joy. Reflecting the natural rhythms seen in nature, they echo of the cyclical nature of life and the opportunity for growth and renewal.
My aim is to create a dialogue between contemporary humanity and the natural world, engaging the viewer with the landscape and the self in an atmospheric and harmonious way that enables a moment of inner calm and clarity amongst the speed and tension of everyday life.
