Kate Jenkins Q&A

We caught up with our new favourite textile artist Kate Jenkins this week for a quick Q&A, ahead the launch of her ‘Stitched Fish’ exhibition, showing at the Field & Fork Restaurant in Chichester from Saturday 23rd June – Sunday 7th October.

Kate Jenkins - Fish & Chips

CFW: What has inspired your work?
KJ: I have endless sources of inspiration for my work so it would be impossible to pin point one exact thing but it generally is inspired by things that put a smile on my face. This could range from a conversation I have had with a friend or something I may have seen whilst out and about on my travels.

CFW: What inspired ‘Stitched Fish’ in particular?.
KJ: Over the past few years I have had several solo shows of my work at The Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London and I always include a few seafood inspired pieces such as a classic plate of fish and chips, tinned sardines, jellied eels etc. Within my work I always love (if the subject matter allows) to use sequins as they catch the light so beautifully. When I was approached by Simon Martin (Head of Collections for Pallant House) to create an exhibition of my work in the Field and Fork restaurant it seemed like an obvious choice to theme it all around different variations of fish dishes ranging from sushi and caviar to seafood canapes.

CFW: Who are your favourite artists?
KJ: Sir Peter Blake most definitely has to be up there as one of my favourites, so I was delighted when I was approached to do the show at Pallant House as they are also showing a major exhibition of his music related artworks to celebrate his 80th birthday. I love art that has a 3D element to it so other favourites include Karen Nicol who is a an embroidery and mixed media textile artist. Also Yulia Brodskaya who uses the art of paper folding and quilling in an extraordinary way.

CFW: What’s your personal favourite piece of your work?
KJ: Thats quite a difficult one to answer but usually my favourite is the most recent one I have completed. Each piece of artwork I create is always a challenge to get right so when it is done it then becomes my favourite. But… if I was forced to decide on one I think it would be a carton of french fries I created for my show in London – Kate’s Crochetmarket – last year where they were all wearing striped tops, berets and moustaches.

Kate Jenkins - French Fries

CFW: Why crocheted art?
KJ: I find it so much easier and quicker than hand knitting. I treat the crochet hook like a paintbrush as I never create any patterns for my work and find it the best way for me to work.

CFW: What’s next for you after ‘Stitched Fish’?
KJ: I am working towards my first New York solo show which opens on Wednesday 5th December at The Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Mott Street, NYC. The show is entitled Kate’s Diner and as the name suggests it will be a Diner themed exhibition crocheted in wool!

Thanks Kate!