Tutor Statement – Bryony Rose Jennings

I am a textile sculptor, I create textile creatures entirely from reclaimed/repurposed fabric and haberdashery. My work is broadly inspired by an awe for the natural world that we have the great honour to be a part of; the timeless relationship between humans and animals, by animal folklore, anthropomorphism and narrative. I seek to convey character and personality in my creations, realism is not my thing!

I’ve always been drawn to textiles, and have collected and kept cloth that speaks to me for as long as I can remember. I explored textiles as a medium in college, and often incorporated textiles in my jewellery whilst studying towards my degree in Silversmithing at University. My approach to textile sculpture is entirely self taught, the way I use stitch to create my creatures is a technique that has developed out of requirement. Through perseverance and experimentation I have found out what works for me, allowing the development of my own unique style.

I love teaching and introducing others to the freedom and joys of creating textile sculpture. I am really lucky to have been able to teach all around the UK as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

My teaching focuses on encouraging individual expression and I discover something delightful and new in the outcomes of each and every one of my workshops, each individual sculpture comes to reflect the personality and mind of its creator; the result uniquely their own. Sometimes the most challenging thing for students is the letting go of a need for perfection, or of the idea of ‘getting it right’ – there is categorically no ‘right’ to be had here.

The most wonderful creatures are born out of an accumulation of happy – character forming – discoveries and accidents.

The Bryony Rose Textile Menagerie

website: www.prettyscruffy.com

www.facebook.com/BryonyRoseTextileMenagerie