Jennifer Mellings

Artist statement

Concepts
Lately my activity has involved selecting and processing fragmentary images from multiple sources, and most particularly those related to 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, newer ideas have 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/conflict. This has not been consciously maintained as a guiding force, but appeared more as a result of 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 also 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
I have set up and run art clubs for children and young people at Spacex Gallery, Exeter, since 1992, and have also led workshops at other venues such as the Royal Memorial Museum, Exeter, CCANW, Plymouth Arts Centre, and Thelma Hulbert Gallery. My role at Plymouth University has been Associate Lecturer in Fine Art since 2005, and visiting lecturer there from 1992 (also in illustration 2003-6).
Additionally, I taught History of Art at Exeter School from 2003-2006, and have run animation workshops for 'Animated Exeter' and related events from 1999 to 2009 in various schools and institutions, and helped to create short animated film with young people shown at First Light, Young Co-Operative Filmmakers and other events.