Jess Jenkins

I am an artist living on the edge of The New Forest. I use folklore, folksong, old customs, games and rituals to explore contemporary issues particularly social and economic disparity. Country living can be a strange mix of bounty and hopelessness but when people have access to their own strong and sinuous roots, their own history and stories they have anchorage and hope. I seek the stories that connect us and as an artist I’m thinking of different ways of pinning them up on the metaphorical village hall notice board for all to see. Alongside my own practice I run drawing workshops as The Village Hall Draw and community workshops around the New Forest working with Culture in Common and Hampshire Cultural Heritage amongst others.

I am a professional artist, dancer and workshop facilitator recognised for hand painted murals, creative workshops and theatrical collaborative performances. Delivering detailed paintings, innovative workshops, and explorative collaborations, my work caters to the immediate environment with the aims to elevate spaces, inspire individuals and encourage unity. Commissioned by different councils, shops and organisations to design and paint murals reflecting nature. Produce workshops that include art and movement practice. Collaborated with multiple groups and particularly enjoy performing with spoken word artists. Over 10 years in the arts, commissioned by Tameside Council, Wembley Park, Harrow Council and charities such as MyYard.

I am a Wiltshire-based visual artist and consultant working with people and places through commissions, projects, residencies, walks and workshops. I work with media of relevance to each place, its ecology and heritage, from ‘natural’ and recycled materials, to photographs, text, sound and video. Previous Hampshire residencies have included working with Spud (New Forest), John Hansard Museum (Southampton) and Andover Museum. My consultancy work includes writing for publication, mentoring for emerging artists/creatives, and advisory work/professional development for the arts/heritage and environmental sectors. Access and inclusion is key to all my work, with a particular focus on the value of queer and neurodivergent voices/experiences.