Jennifer Mellings

Artist statement

Concepts
Current content involves the selection and processing of fragmentary images from multiple sources, and most particularly addresses our engagement with the virtual world of the internet. Throughout previous work there has been a dominant theme of the layering of imaginary visions onto elements of perceived reality. However, the content of newer work has perhaps moved further towards recognition and exploration of the idea of sensory overload. Some of latest pieces involve the appearance of motifs derived from 'emoticons' commonly used in email exchanges. They are currently being used as 'vessels' for the containment of themes related to, or in contrast or conflict with the background image, and paintings are being arranged in formats which are derived from computer screen window layout. In recent weeks the the confines of the traditional rectangular surface format has been fractured in favour of smaller 'components' which can be freely arranged across a supporting surface. Much of the content of these is based upon visual and other material received via the web in various contexts, but is not confined to these sources. Such ideas are also being realised by means of film/animation. 

 In the past I have drawn onto large-scale photographs and animated some of these directly, to extend possibilities for sequential narrative. Some earlier work has been related to the effects of war, but this has not been consciously maintained as a guiding force, but appeared more as a result of one being subject to media influences. An earlier film (Crisium) completed in autumn 2003 was based on the idea of earthly visions animated against a lunar landscape, for which resources included appropriated images from historic engravings and images from the news.

Previously I painted in a roughly Expressive/Surrealist style and frequently made narrative, allegorical works with mythical references and some images appropriated from ancient art.

Influences
Traditional European figurative painting (particularly landscape), Ukiyo-E prints, other prehistoric and multicultural art, contemporary film and photography, avant-garde film, animation, painting, drawing, computers, the internet, multimedia, life in general both on my doorstep and the furthest reaches of the known world!

Career path
My main qualifications so far are BA Hons (1), PG Dip FA, City and Guilds FE Teaching Certificates 1 and 2, and an MA. I have set up and continued running art clubs for children aged 6 - 16 at Spacex Gallery, Exeter, (also in the past at other venues such as the Royal Memorial Museum, Exeter), since 1991 and had been a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Plymouth in the Fine Art (Painting), in the Illustration department (from 2003-2005) and Associate lecturer in Fine Art from 2004-2012. Additionally, I carried out a residency in 1994/95 at Stoke Hill First School in Exeter to build a sensory garden, taught History of Art at Exeter School from 2003-2006, and have run animation workshops for 'Animated Exeter' and related events since 1999 in various schools and institutions, and created short animated films with young people shown at First Light, 2003. Some previous works are in collections, including Unilever, New Hall Cambridge, University of Exeter, Devon and Exeter Health Authority, Devon Education Authority, and Millfield School, Somerset and I received a major South-West Arts Award in 1989, first prizes in the South-West Open (1990) and Millfield Open (1996). I am beginning to show work in alternative venues such as film festivals and other non-gallery sites and aim to show work further away from South West England, and also undertake residencies.