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Jenny Vobe
 Have a look at Jenny Vobe's Slideshow
What medium/media do you work in?
I mix drawing/painting media. Acrylic, oil, watercolour, pencils, pastels, oil pastels, graphite, charcoal & chalk - anything that suits me at the time. The only thing I don't tend to use is gouache. I'm afraid I have a weakness for anything that comes in nice wooden presentation boxes.
How would you describe your work?
Although my work cannot be described as abstract, I like colour, texture, form & rhythm - in fact all the abstract qualities. I explore and then I make statements, social, personal. Like my choice of media it's a strange mix. It's hard to put into words that which you put into paint. I suppose that's why I paint.
What are your influences and inspirations?
I just love Art. Coming from a working class family, going to Art College was never really an option for me - just a dream - you need to get a proper job Jennifer! I was a mature student by the time I got the opportunity to study the Visual Arts full time. While doing my degree I eagerly attended the inspirational lectures given by Kirstine Dunthorne & Sue Griffiths at Swansea Institute. We explored the history of art from The Renaissance to Postmodernism and after every lecture I always declared: 'that is my favorite movement/artist'. If I had to choose a single artist I think it would have to be Vassily Kandinsky. I also find the work of contemporary welsh artists inspirational, especially Christine Kinsey and Shani Rees James.
What piece/pieces of work are you most proud of and why?
This is a difficult one. Once a painting is over (never finished) I think my personality prevents me from judging my work objectively. It's always subjective, always colored by a lack of self belief, a lack of self esteem. I'm never satisfied with my work. I always try to 'do better next time'.My studies of my son Daniel are, I suppose, more successful to me than others I have done. Looking at all the drawings and paintings together, I see me watching him struggle with the painful stages of the 'growing up' process. This has been both a fascination to me as an artist and a painful exploration of my own sense of inadequacies as a mother. An inability to fully protect and 'make things right'.
Have you had any exhibitions if so where ? Do you have any planned in the future?
I used to be a prolific painter and exhibited whenever & wherever I could. I was also what can be described as a 'community artist'. I worked with disadvantaged communities and groups in Cardiff, Merthyr, Maesteg, and Swansea - in fact all over South Wales. These included groups of disaffected young people, young single mums and people with learning difficulties. That direct interaction ended when I entered the world of arts administration. From being the Arts & Enterprise Officer for Community Enterprise Wales right up to my current role as manager of MASC, I have given 100% to enabling others that make up our arts community, while neglecting my creative self. I paint little at the moment, but when I do it is to answer a need, a craving to create and express. I will be exhibiting in the near future. When the time is right.
Please give a brief description of one or two of the projects you've worked on most recently.
I am working on a series of paintings at the moment. Watch this space!
What are your views of the current Welsh scene both nationally and in south Wales?
I am ever the optimist. We have a history of art & culture that I feel is culminating in a flourishing arts scene, the quality of which, is now being recognized both at home (about time too) and abroad. Our best visual artists are no longer quietly modest. They are shouting from the rooftops!
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Nodi achlysur Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr yn Abertawe yn 25 oed.
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