My artwork is essentially about human experience and personal illumination. Clay is my preferred medium. I love the versatility of the medium and glazing and firing techniques as well as the transformation from pliable to permanent. I am intrigued and challenged by how the slightest mark can influence the entire character of a piece and I love the thrill of opening a still warm kiln.
I work three-dimensionally and thematically on particular issues that I empathise with and sometimes my work can be hard hitting and confrontational. However, because I value a sense of humour, I often try to combine both. I like to ‘plant a seed’ rather than ‘point the finger’. I find this helps me to maintain my equanimity with both the world’s challenges and its beauties.
I am locally known for many murals on public facilities around my local area, some solo but many created with my students. My work is represented in permanent collections in Japan, Canada and England as well as included in Australian Pottery in Bemboka.
Awards
I have been fortunate in receiving a number of awards throughout my career including:
1997 – Australia Day’s Pursuit of Excellence Award – Eurobodalla Shire Council
2013 – Winner – River of Art Prize
2017 – Kid’s People’s Choice prize winner ‘Sculpture on the Edge’ Bermagui
2020 – Winner – River of Art Prize
2021 – Winner – Sculpture Prize -Sculpture Bermagui.
2024 – Peter Collins Acquisitive Memorial Prize – Sculpture Bermagui
Art Education
I hold a Diploma of Art from Canberra (now the ANU Art School), a diploma of Education, and Graduate Diploma in Glaze research and Wheel Work all awarded in the mid-seventies. I have taught at schools, tutored at TAFE and currently run weekly workshops.
Jennis work can be seen at Songbee – opposite the Kinema – 109 Campbell St, Narooma NSW 2546 or contact direct
Photo Credit: @corinrossouw – pigeons, bowl; others courtesy of Artist
