JENNA KIRKWOOD

Jenna Kirkwood graduated last year from the University of Ulster with a BA (Hons) degree in Art & Design, specialising in Printmaking. She says her work is an outward expression of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and she seeks to communicate his lordship and unfailing love visually. Her prints convey ideas of contemplation, relaxation and meditation. That is why the title of the Exhibition is;

Be Still And Know

Interview by Adam Harbinson at the preview

Jenna, you have arranged an Art Exhibition to display some of your work, but first, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Ever since I was a child I wanted to be an artist. I went to watercolour classes when I was 8 years old and carried it on through school. I then went to Art College in Belfast and last July I graduated in Art and Design. It's all I have ever wanted to do.

I firmly believe that God gives us all talents, and because Jesus is the absolute centre of my life I want to use my talent in visual arts to communicate his love and forgiveness through the imagery that I use.  My art work is a part of my worship and I hope that it glorifies Jesus and that it is used to reach people who don't know him.

You’ve called the Exhibition, ‘Be Still And Know.’ Why is that?

The Bible says, ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ but the world in which we live is far from still. It’s the complete opposite, most of us are busy all the time and therefore we leave ourselves no space to breathe, never mind to think. In response to this, the body of work in this Exhibition expresses the idea of contemplation. I want to encourage those who view my work to slow down… to think... to meditate.

Before we look at some of the work, can you tell us a little bit about the techniques you use?

There is still some misunderstanding as to what constitutes an original print. This long established art form is often confused with commercially printed reproductions of artists’ paintings. Nothing could be further from the truth.   Original prints are works of art whose images do not exist in any other form except as that exclusive, hand-printed, limited edition number of impressions on paper, known collectively as ’the edition.’

The main printmaking process that I use is called Photo Intaglio, and the word Intaglio comes from the Italian language, it means carved or recessed.  In order for me to make my prints I have to first draw my image onto transparent or translucent film or paper and then expose the drawing, using ultraviolet light onto a light sensitive sheet of steel or copper also known as a ‘plate.’

The emulsion on the plate hardens where it receives exposure and the softer areas will be eaten away and will become the recesses which will hold the ink for printing.

I like using abstract forms in my work such as circles and squares as they have a focal point in the centre.  For me the images pose the question, ‘What or who is at the centre of our lives?’  I like the fact that people don't necessarily understand the imagery at first, as it allows them not only to draw their own conclusions and ideas about the work, but it allows me to explain to them what I am trying to convey through my art. 

These shapes are about simplicity, I love that nothing in life is simpler than coming to Jesus because all we have to do is turn away from our sin and he is right there.  These shapes convey the simplicity yet the wonder of his everlasting love for us.

As I wander around the Gallery I must say I am struck by a piece that you have entitled, ‘Whatever the Cost.’ Can you explain it to us?

I let God down, I let him down every day and the cross reminds me that no matter how much we fail him, he never fails us! No matter how unfaithful or apathetic is our walk with him, he is always faithful.  The cross reminds me of who I really am; I am a daughter of the Living God, that my debt is PAID IN FULL!  It reminds me that all my sins past, present and future are forgiven, that I am healed and that he loves me. 

The cross is a universal symbol of Christianity.  Its horizontal beam symbolises the breadth of God’s love and its vertical beam symbolises the depth and height of his love.  Yet I think too many of us have familiarised ourselves with this symbol – myself included – and have hardened our hearts to what Jesus actually went through on the cross.  Therefore I wanted to create an image that causes us to think about the cross and the price that he paid for us at Calvary.  As I study the image now it challenges me to continually put him first in my life, and it reminds me that I am far from perfect, but because he was willing to pay ‘Whatever the Cost’ for your life and mine, we are free.

Jesus said, I came that they may have and enjoy LIFE, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10).

'BE STILL AND KNOW'

Runs From April 4th - May 31st at the JA JA Gallery, 4 Sheridan Drive, Bangor, County Down.