INTERVIEW: Intelligent simplicity with artist Sue Kenny
“Art is my passion and my friend. It keeps me grounded and peaceful. Wherever I go and whatever I do, I am never alone.” Artist Sue Kenny (photo by Max Burnett)
ArtHouse Jersey is gearing up to jump back into action at Greve de Barracks, as the first pop up exhibition of the year is announced. Sue Kenny, one of dozens of artists who applied to exhibit their work at the arts charity’s HQ this year, was selected to showcase her first solo exhibition ‘Newfangled Perspectives’. Sue repurposes everyday items in her work, challenging perspectives and working with different textures and colours. Her pieces are large scale and involve working with raw materials including recycled woods, especially Ash, Southern Yellow Pine cubes and old paper and magazines. Her work is hand-styled using natural dyes such as blueberries, turmeric, coffee and chili oil to give the canvas a unique timbre. She works cleverly with angles and light to offer contouring shadows and intricate textures. Her sculptures are bold, bright and brave, aiming to challenge the idea of modern art using new materials, when in fact the old can be of tremendous value and give a unique, dynamic, perspective.
‘Newfangled Perspectives’ is due to take place at Greve de Lecq Barracks studios on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 February between 10am and 5pm. We spoke with artist Sue Kenny to learn more about her creative history, influences and unique artistic methods.
Tell us a little bit about your artistic history.
Art has always been one of the loves of my life. But it’s only really recently that I’ve been able to give it my full attention. Art is my passion and my friend. It keeps me grounded and peaceful. Wherever I go and whatever I do, I am never alone.
Over the years, when I haven’t been running my business or looking after my children, I have stolen moments to myself to take a deep breath and just lose myself creating something out of nothing. I love the idea of giving a disused item a second lease of life so when I had time to develop my ideas from concept to creation I wanted to use materials with natural dynamic, especially those provided by nature or having fulfilled their original purpose. The end results were much larger than I imagined! And then with every colourful trip away, or new process discovery, my inspiration grew - and so did my collection. I shared my work with friends and colleagues, who encouraged me to go public. So now, here I am!
How would you best describe your style to someone who hasn't seen your art before?
Intelligent simplicity. My work is big and bold but each shade, grain and fold has been shaped and placed with precision. I love working with natural, raw and repurposed materials, but the finished product is a 3D piece which yearns for a clean, open contemporary space.
What in life inspires you to create?
My ideas come in torrents or trickles, but they come if I am open to them. It is like listening to a beautiful piece of music, it touches me and takes me to a very joyful place. I’m inspired by trips away with my family, colourful food and clever architecture. This ’NewFangled Perspective' collection is a celebration of many adventures including California, Bermuda, Mexico. It also delves into fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. I must admit, there is no place for flat or cardboard characters in my world! I love making contrasting shapes, shades and angles to give my work a sense of movement.
Inspiration is everywhere. The big secret is making the time, having the patience and finding the confidence to move from a concept to creation.
Your work is hand-styled using natural dyes. Tell us a bit about that process?
Yes - In combination with vibrant paints I love working with natural dyes. When you make something from scratch, you really get to know what you’re working with.
I see potential in turmeric and chilli and pomegranate as I’m sauntering the shopping aisles picking up ingredients for tea. Through trial and error, I can experiment with the natural textures and interactions of these home-made colours with woodgrains or papers. This process is mindful. I am present for every moment. It makes the final result a true labour of love. I love working with raw, honest, natural materials including recycled woods, especially Ash, Southern Yellow Pine and recycled paper and magazines.
You have said that your pieces are not meek or mild, but rather they represent your approach to life. Tell us a little about what you mean by that.
We should not be shy about our intentions in life - we only have one and if you want to have any sense of fulfilment, we must embrace it! I sailed the Atlantic when I was thirty and two of my children were small, so you could say that I love a challenge! I’d like to think that this comes across in my artwork. I am simply passionate about living and celebrating diversity of the world around us.
In today’s society, sustainability, repurposing and wellbeing are a big priority. So why shouldn’t this be reflected in a luxury item or in art form? The idea that a disused material could find a new lease of life which celebrates it’s unique beauty and character excites me. But these new forms shouldn’t be apologetic for this new lease of energy. I like them to be striking. They are bright and bold but each piece has been placed with precision to stand proud.
Finally, this is your first official solo exhibition. How does it feel to be taking this leap of faith and what would you say to encourage anyone to come along on the weekend of the 5 and 6 February?
I am very excited about this next adventure. To have my work available to the public is a dream come true. All of the pieces on display are available for purchase but I am also available for commissions, so this is a great opportunity to meet anyone interested in transforming their space with some newfangled perspective.
‘Newfangled Perspectives’ is due to take place at Greve de Lecq Barracks studios on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 February between 10am and 5pm.
Sue Kenny will be on site to answer any questions you might have about her artwork or practice. All pieces one show are for sale.
