JENNY GOLDBERG SMITH

I studied for a degree at St John’s, York (Leeds University, Coll), specialising in printed textiles. This has influenced my work since graduating. My inspiration has developed from detailed studies of architecture and botanicals, as well as textile design of many rich cultures. Having lived in the Peak District for the last 30 years, and with a central UK base, I am privileged to have access to areas of spectacular landscape and architecture. The Peak District, Northumberland Coast and the Lake District are particular favourites ... though they have had to nurture my love over the years!. I must say that childhood experiences can accidentally forge false impressions, if you aren't quite ready for the experience!  As a very young child, I was virtually thrown into the wilds of the Cumbrian Fells and told to "climb that" ... it put me off for some time; the week of torture, climbing mountains with a totally unprepared set of feeble muscles, from a genteel Cheshire grammar school existence, left false memories that needed correction! Thank goodness i eventually moved to the Peak District; the gentle trails and hill climbs, building up my strength to look around more when walking; developing the love to get as high as I could to survey the UK landscape. In the last decade I have rekindled my connection to the Lake District. It has led me back to the wonderful dizzy heights of the Wainwrights and I am lucky to have the ability to spend as much time as I want soaking up the delights of landscape, architecture and culture of both the High Peak and the Cumbrian Fells. I have a unique way of executing collages and layered pieces, which has led to the development of rich multimedia work for decades. My style continues to develop, influenced by visiting new places, using experimental methods and new materials. Earlier training in needlework & dress design, multimedia and printed textiles have led to the development of my painting style and original canvases are richly executed to reflect such influences of textures or collage. I guess I have to thank many, Matisse, Braque, Picasso, Rosetti & the Pre Raphaelites, Mondrian, Kaffe Fassett, Georgia O'Keefe ... I could go on, so many to mention from Pre Renaissance to the 20th Century Masters ... but maybe i have to thank my teachers of the 70s/80s here ... certainly without Mr Bob Bramwell I wouldn't have 'met' those ... so thank you, my dear History of Art, A Level teacher; an essay a week on a different artist was gruelling at the time but it did pay off in the end! The experimental approach of these artists and use of collage, colour and detail has been a scaffold to my experimentation, attention to detail and flouting of ‘rules’ of different media, so thanks too must go to Tony Jones for patiently watching me "mess about" in the art room! Often asked “what do you do ... paint?”, I try to explain that most of my work is far more complex than “just painting” with a particular medium. My pieces often involve a layered tissue base of vibrant colours, which influence the next medium/colour applied and often generate glowing light from within the piece because of this layering of different materials. Whether collage, handwritten graphics, bleach, watercolours, inks, fabric dyes, gouache, acrylics, oil pastels, coloured pencils etc are used, they all may be added to enhance the development of unique and original artwork. It not only reflects the richness and depth of my subjects but invites the onlooker to be more curious about the subject and execution.  I have maintained a presence over many years. Numerous pieces of my earlier work and commissions adorn homes around the country. Since retiring from teaching in schools, both Secondary Art and Primary, I have been able to dedicate more time to my art, producing larger canvases, quality Giclée prints, including Limited Editions, and greetings cards.  In recent years, I have been able to spend more time on personal and local art projects. In 2019,  I took part in the popular biennial Buxton Art Trail, where I exhibited a variety of originals and Limited Editions. This event gained recognition from the Buxton Fringe Festival and was presented a winners award. My original canvas “Blossom at the Palace” was accepted by the highly respected Derbyshire Open Arts, 2019, and this piece was in the 2019 Exhibition. In the Buxton Spa Prize 2019, my original canvas “Hall Bank, Golden Hour” gained 2nd Place for “The People’s Choice”. In Buxton Spa Prize, En Plein Air 2019, competition day my canvas "Glimpse of the Opera House" was selected as one of a small number to be purchased by the patron of that competition. Essentially, my work is in mixed media, but my attention to detail and accuracy of observation can also be found in my pure pencil crayon pieces of local botanicals and architecture. I have also had a number of commissioned pieces which reflect my ability to capture individual personal memories of family members for clients in this detailed pencil crayon style. A very unique and special keepsake. Most of my originals are available as Limited Edition Giclee Prints only, retaining the quality and relative rarity of such pieces.  Very occasionally I produce unlimited runs of designs for cards and less exclusive pieces.  As a contemporary artist, living and working in the beautiful town of Buxton, my popularity has spread through word of mouth, social media, the occasional appearance (rare!) at an art fair, but so much more important to me, the ability to display my work through small businesses who capture the spirit and vibrancy of these creative towns in the High Peak. It is in these towns and small shops or art galleries, where visitors and locals can explore the diamonds and hidden depths of creative work, which I believe reflects these treasures. Please explore these places and support small business and artists in the UK!