"Articulation" © Jenny Meehan 2005

Wire, paper and spray paint. 

Made during a course led by David Farrer at West Dean College, Sussex.  See Articulation page for more information.

Mary Reid (Mayor of Kingston) and Jenny Meehan at the Kingston Contemporary Open Exhibition 2006

This piece explores the process of articulating experience from life through an art form.  It unites poetry, black and white image, and 3D form together and shows that something which appears dead, with creative inspiration comes alive in a new way.  It holds many references to its origin, while also suggesting potential for new life. Though silent and still, I wanted to convey energy and a sense of potential for development.

You can read more information on the thinking behind it, and the poem which is an integral part of the piece, in the subsection "Articulation". 

"Hole in my bucket" ©jenny meehan 2007 (not for sale)

The frond,  I made from copper, and the bucket has been in our garden for the last eleven years.  It is very exciting to find something and give it a new life.  The hole has always been in the bucket, and I have frequently wondered about it.  To use found objects in my sculpture is quite important to me. The upturned bucket, though by suggestion, empty, has given rise to vibrant growth.  Organic forms coming out of unusual places feature in most of my sculpture.

 Block Shift 2007AD ©jenny meehan 2007

Artist’s canvas, decorator’s filler,  aluminium  tape, acrylic paint and photographic print.  

Size 10x10x1.5inches 

Not for sale

 
A square is a very static shape, and I like the combination of the chunky solid base with its illusive front surface.  Inspired by time spent looking at roughly painted surfaces in my local area, I wanted to create a sculptural object which was paradoxical in nature.  The shifting action caused by the torn photograph of cardboard packaging gives a transitory feel, but the base has a sense of substance and immovability.  The front surface relates to the form as a whole; on the one hand it is a layer applied on the front surface but on the other,  it is united with the base through its imagery; the slightly off centre “gap” meeting the rim of aluminium tape which continues around the sides and the back of the piece.
  
I plan to develop this avenue of exploration using steel, paint, MDF and different metal fixings.  Fixings express the urge to make solid and permanent the constructions we create, and paint is  a way of covering up surfaces and a form of protection from external elements.   I seem to be using these as a metaphor for the way our minds react to disturbing experiences which we cannot understand with our rational minds. 
 

"Nelson Mandela  (Out of the Guttering) " ©jenny meehan 2008

Shown on white background, but several alternative methods of presentation, depending on placement.  In 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from imprisonment.  I've made this to celebrate liberation of many kinds.

lead (found object) and steel(created by artist object)

Sculpture 2009 onwards...

I've spent time researching some historical aspects of  the steel industry in Britian and also looking at many old English Ironwork designs.  I'd like to develop my practical skills with steel, so  I'm planning to continue with courses when I can.  "Metal worked on the anvil has a grace which belies its strength..." quote from "Wrought Ironwork" published by the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas".  

Coil Pot with Cupule, Jenny Meehan 2009.  ( unfired terracotta image) More images coming soon.