Venue 28 - Jenny Wilkinson

Art Trek
Category: Textiles

I make hand-woven rugs, and other textiles using natural dyes and fibres. My cornerstone is a living connection with land and landscape. This theme runs from keeping sheep for natural colour wool, working on landscape/habitat conservation, harvesting plants for dyeing, to weaving. My choice is for hand and foot power, and making a positive environmental contribution is essential. Sustainability is implicit in the working decisions I make.

In my work process ideas emerge and are embedded, through an internal conversation between my inner world and life as lived.

Thus, design and meaning come from everyday life, and rugs are floor coverings. We walk over them mostly unaware of the personal, historical and cultural meanings embodied in them, as we walk on the surface of the earth, and on soil which carries so much life. My rugs are made for use. I like the idea that much is contained in something underfoot.

Colour has been gaining ground in my work. This relates to reviews of my biography, and the unearthing of earlier work. Life proceeds in spirals, up or down is not always clear, but this is one of them, and has prompted me to look again at the work of artists whose use of colour has touched me.

When I am in the Gallery, I will be weaving whenever possible, although some of the time I will be working at home shearing sheep. My work will still be on show during these times, plus my assistant Judith will be needle-felting making birds in the Gallery.

Directions: From A361, turn left on the round-a-bout signed South Molton/ Blackmoor Gate/ Brayford. Griffin’s Yard and Gallery will be on the right as you enter South Molton, just past Quince Honey Farm. Or, from South Molton town square, take signs for Barnstaple. Griffin’s Yard is set back on the left opposite the Junior School just after the B3227 junction. Or, only a short walk from town centre.

Parking: Outside of venue.

Bus Routes: Bus numbers 155, 307, 5/5C, X7 from/to South Molton - Barnstaple - Exeter - Bampton.

Access: Ground Floor Fully Accessible – Stairs to First Floor

Address: Crafts Gallery, Griffin’s Yard, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3AZ

OS Ref: SS 271235 126209

Website: www.craftsgallerygriffinsyard.co.uk
Email: jenny@craftsgallerygriffinsyard.co.uk
Telephone: 01769 574284

Opening Times: 10am - 5pm

For more information please visit www.craftsgallerygriffinsyard.co.uk

Open on the following dates:  June 11,  June 12,  June 14,  June 15,  June 16,  June 17,  June 18,  June 19,  June 21,  June 22,  June 23,  June 24,  June 25,  June 26,