Jenny Blake in her studio at Strathnairn Arts.

One of six siblings, Jenny enjoyed a free range upbringing, spending many hours in nature which instigated a life time of appreciating the details and nuances in nature and people. When painting landscapes Jenny prefers to work with non-traditional tools, creating layers, peeling back and adding further layers, working the surfaces to mimic nature. Her portraiture work is also deeply considered, spending time getting to know the sitter and to observe personality subtleties. Jenny also places her almost-finished pieces in her living space so she can see the painting in all levels of light and different angles. We caught up with Jenny in her sunny studio at Strathnairn Arts, here’s what she has to say about her practice.

“My aim is to tell stories, of the fragility and strength of people and nature. I use a diverse range of material and mediums, making abstract landscapes, portraits, mixed media, assemblage work, and installations.”

— Jenny Blake, Artist

How would you describe your art practice? The common theme in my art practice is vulnerability. I work with the most pressing issues of our times, “land care and human care”. Sadly, my subject matter is plentiful. I make art that tells the story of climate change, and the plight of our most vulnerable people in society. I paint tortured landscapes and weary worn faces. I make collages and assemble work from found objects and materials.

What do you find most inspiring about your art space? My art space at Strathnairn is such a gift, not at least because it is surrounded by stunning vista of the Brindabella range, it provides me with a dedicated space to make art in a supportive environment. As a member of this vibrant arts community, I am mixing and learning from other artists. Many opportunities are made possible, group shows, solo exhibitions, workshops, selling work from the Strathnairn shop and getting encouragement and support from the Strathnairn team to profile my professional practice. I am really looking forward to my first “Strathnairn Open Day” where I get to open my studio to the public. The inspiration to make work is never far away. From the environment of a nurturing community and nature putting on a spectacular show every day, too having the space in which to research and plan as well as make art.

Can you tell us what a day in your studio looks like ? You are talking to an early bird. I love to get up with sun and get working, I feel fresh and ready to go. It is about a 15-minute drive, from my home to Strathnairn. I stop on the way for a coffee. On arrival I turn on Radio National, sit down and look at my notes. At the end of each day I write “fix up” notes and plans, so there is always a job waiting. My art diary is full of my ideas, sketches, studies and draft project that may or may not get legs. But I get comfort in knowing they are there, and I keep adding to the list. I go through phases, from painting portraits for weeks and then I need a break and return to abstract landscapes.

My favourite days are the days I get out a new canvas and start painting on a large blank canvas, building up the layers. Portraits take a lot more concentration and they can sit around marinating for weeks (some, much longer) they sit with their “fix up” notes till I return to them. Sometimes they surprise me and behave and come to me with out a big fight. I enjoy taking a break too, especially if I am frustrated with a painting. I am better to walk away and come back later. This makes for a perfect time for a coffee with a fellow artist or Strathnairn team member for a chat and catch up. On the drive home I am delighted by the afternoon long shadows and daily Brindabella show.

What gets you up in the morning and drives you to be a working artist? A collective sadness is sweeping the world’s communities right now. Art is more important than ever with the power to cut through the political blindness. A simple image can say what millions are thinking. History has shown that art is a minder of our culture and the keeper of our stories. Art has been a constant in my life. As a school leaver I had no idea that making art could be a career. Growing up in country NSW I had never meet an artist or been exposed to the possibility of an art career. After moving to Canberra as a young adult I visited an art gallery for the first time. I would never look back; I knew then, art was going to be a significant part of my life. I was making art and taking classes while working and raising a family. I put plans in motion to become a fulltime artist. I completed a Diploma in Visual Arts in 2017; this gave me the confidence to launch a full-time practice. So long story short… I am making up for lost time, not looking back, I get out of bed to make art because I believe in the crucial role it plays in my personal life but more importantly; Art is integral to human kinds overall wellbeing. I feel that supporting the arts, making art, buying art is a bloody good reason to get out of bed every day. It gets me out of bed.

You can see more of Jenny's work on her website http://www.jennyblakeartist.com/ and follow her on social media @jennyblakeartist