21- Jenny Chan
I thought I knew who I was. I thought I had done a lot of the soul finding work and self-actualization process psychologist Carl Jung refers to in his works. I am starting to understand more and more, though, that this isn't true. Once I started digging into who I am, I discovered that there is even more uncharted territory in my soul that is longing to be excavated. I think a huge part of actually figuring out who you are is through the act of creative exploration.
Jenny Chan is an artist that really resonated with me. When I look at her pieces, I think about what it means to explore aspects of ourselves through art. When I first came across Jenny Chan’s work, I was fascinated by her ability to capture certain emotions in the clay faces she creates. One of my favorite pieces, ‘Finding Peace’, shows a woman with a thoughtful soft expression. She is looking down and seems to be coming to a place of stillness after something that has been weighing on her. Of course, this is my personal interpretation; you might have another perspective. That is the beauty of Jenny Chan’s work–to capture the beauty, mystery, and complexity of the female face.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you do?
I was born in Hong Kong and grew up in a small island in the Central Pacific where my father worked. I moved to the UK eight years ago.
What has your journey been like getting into figurative sculpture?
I went through a few years of particularly difficult times with serious depression since moving to the UK eight years ago. In 2018, I went on my clay journey, mainly learning from YouTube, where I found peace and self-worth. I spent crazy hours a day creating various works, and then I recycled the clay and started again since I did not have access to a kiln for firing my work.
Why are you drawn to creating figurative sculptures?
I believe it was an unconscious choice that I was particularly drawn to women’s faces. I secretly aspired to be a woman with strength who believed in herself. There is a back story with each face I create. Also taking the advice from Craft Council Hothouse Programme, that an artist should have a consistent style of work when they first start out for people to identify who they are, so women's faces became my subject.
Are there any people in particular that have influenced your style or art?
I did not have any art education, there is no art within family life, so I will say not a particular artist or style I prefer.
How do you approach working on a new piece?
All my new designs will usually go through a concept idea in my head; I do not sketch out my design and usually go straight into the sculpture and let my hands guide me in the making.
Is there a piece that has been the most challenging to create? Why?
I won’t say there is a particular piece that has been challenging. Quite often there are structure or kiln issues in creating new works and might take a couple times to sort out the issues, many failures and breakage along the learning curve.
How do you find inspiration?
My inspiration is mostly drawn from life experience, social issues and daily life.
Example 1: ‘Chicken Pose’, inspired by a yoga pose calls Chicken Pose, in Cantonese ‘chicken’ means prostitute. This piece physically looks a chicken but with a very alluring backside.
Example 2: ‘Support Bubble’, created during lockdown. Multi-tasking women with various responsibilities on their heads, shoulder and an air-vent on their head is a must. As a support bubble group, women share their joy and sadness. Our bodies bear the living experience with some doors half-opened, some permanently shut or totally opened.
What has been your biggest struggle as an artist? How did you overcome it?
A lot of self-worth issues as a mid-fifties stay-at-home housewife for years to start with. However, I gradually got out of my depression from working with the clay creations. Another few hurdles are learning the modern tech skills such as building a website and managing social media.
First, I created too many pieces, and I wished to see them fired. I approached a commercial studio, the Ceramic Studio, and bartered cleaning work for firing my clay pieces.
Second, I joined a local artist group, Leamington Artists Studio, as a volunteer and met some fantastic people who not only provide exhibition opportunities, but most importantly they gave me tremendous compliments and courage to embark on my clay journey.
After that, I was awarded a place with Craft Council Hothouse Programme, a two-year residence with Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme, a commendation for my Wall Masks series with Leamington Spa Open 2019, and “2020 MMXX” was selected for 2020 Royal West England Academy Open #RWA168.
Do you have a daily routine? What is it?
No particular routine.
I will put on the radio or listen to some Podcasts. I often work very long hours late into the night, and I generally cannot leave work unfinished for long. Emails and posting on IG are all randomly done daily or nothing for a long period. I do struggle with images and words in creating IG posts.
What advice would you give to other artists?
I think there is so much self-doubt when you are first starting out, finding a group where you can get involved, exhibition opportunities, and networking with like-minded people is very helpful.
What themes do you see in your art?
Contemporary.
As an artist, do you feel you have a role to play in society?
Yes, definitely. I think art either/or both provides you with some visual aesthetic appreciation, opening a dialogue about something, no matter if it is politics, social issues, history
What is something that has really pushed you as an artist?
I’ve always loved making things with my hands since childhood. At the same time, I guess it is also a bit of rebellious spirit in me from getting upset with family and people around me when they underplay the importance of arts and make jokes about art and artists.
What are you currently working on?
A series of work called “Mindfulness”, created during lockdown.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennychanartworks/
Website: https://jennychanartworks.com
