CREATORS – Jenni Ward | Polyfield Magazine

Which came first in your life, the science or the art?

Art. I’ve always been hands-on, building and creating since I was very little. That said, I’ve also always been exploring, observing and collecting things in nature.

Hive Installation in the Field

Hive

Which sciences relate to your art practice?

Biological sciences probably influence my work the most. I love looking at structures in nature, finding out how things work and what is happening on the insides.

Lichen Series in the Field

What materials do you use to create your artworks?

My primary material is clay, but I often add high temperature wire to my ceramic works as well.

Bones Series

Bone Series

Artwork/Exhibition you are most proud of:

My work has always been influenced by nature, but in the past few years, I started installing the pieces back in nature where their inspiration came from. I document the process with still photos and video. This way of showcasing my work ‘in the field’ combines my love of making art and my love of exploring the world. The ephemeral results are really dynamic and engaging.

Tide Pool Series

Bones Collection Underwater

In the Field – Bones Series, Atlantic

Which scientists and/or artists inspire and/or have influenced you?

I love the earth works of Andy Goldsworthy and Chris Drury along with the outdoor installations of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures and have found them inspirational in my own work.

Sprouting Bulb VII

Sprouting Bulb IX

Artist Links: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube

About the Author

Alex Pedersen

Alex is a critical scholar and social scientist. During her degrees, Alex recognized a dearth of knowledge transfer between the academy and the general public. To address this gap, she extends her empirical research through multiple mediums including: publications, formal lectures, public speaking events, radio, theatre and photography. In diversifying access to her research, Alex honed a unique set of skills to plan, design and produce events for a wide variety of audiences. To date, she was responsible for several successful lecture series, community events and fundraisers across diverse settings. Most notably, Alex organized and implemented the 2015 Chancellor Dunning Trust Lectureship and was an advisor for the “Free Queen’s” Steering Committee (an initiative encouraging graduates to bring their work to the wider public). In addition, she has written numerous successful grant applications. An activist at heart, Alex advocates for critical thinking in and beyond academic institutions.

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About the Author

Alex Pedersen