Jenny McConnell
I love creating, it energises me. Over the years I have developed work in a range of media but predominately in mixed media and assemblage especially working with images or materials that hold a nostalgic or personal significance.
Being time poor a lot of my early work focussed on significant people in my life as a tribute to them and often as my means for dealing with their loss. I have always been fascinated by early Byzantine art and in particular iconic images of the Madonna. I have been surrounded by strong women and done my best to produce a few of my own, much of my early work has always has a focus on women for this reason. Over time I have broadened the media I work with and moved into jewellery as I view this as affordable wearable art, mini sculptures if you like, that more people can access and enjoy.
More recently I have been developing my art through the medium of paint, inspired by the beautiful landscape that we live in.
2024 Lisa Mann - cold wax short course
BS’A - Short Course - Oil Painting with Amber Wallis
Murwillumbah Arts Trail Artist - Belle Riverhouse - Tumbulgum
Sketchbook Murwillumbah
Incognito Art Show
2023 Sketchbook Murwillumbah - Artist Award
2022 Murwillumbah Arts Trail Artist - Belle Riverhouse - Tumbulgum
2021 d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards Cloud Catchers - oil on canvas
2021 Murwillumbah Arts Trail open studio artist
2019 Makers and Finders - M-Arts
2017 RAW Gold Coast - jewellery and art collection
2003 GC Art Teachers exhibition- Griffith University Sailing – drawing
2002 GC Art Teachers exhibition- Bond University Heart Strings – assemblage sculpture
2001 Visions exhibition – Griffith University Melody – mixed media
1998 Visions exhibition – Royal Qld Art Soc. Broadbeach - Fragments of a Journey - drawing
1997 Energies Exhibition - GCCAG Afternoon Tea with Agnes – reworked
1996 Ms Conceptions – Grunt youth space Fortitude Valley My Ain Folk – oil on board, reed organ parts Afternoon Tea with Agnes - assemblage
1993 Griffith University Student Exhibition Women of the North – oil on canvas Shell Birth – drawing with mixed media frame
1992 Griffith University Student Exhibition Domestic Bliss – assemblage sculpture Totem – carved timber and ceramics
1982 BCAE Student Exhibition Silver Tree - jewellery
Refresh Me was born in 2016
Refresh Me is an eclectic collection of unique fine art and jewellery made by Jenny McConnell. Re-purposing her grandmother's piano into a creative space sparked a philosophical direction and provided a plethora of materials for making unique jewellery pieces.
Rarely does a Refresh me piece start from new materials. Growing up in a line of pipe organ builders has given her an appreciation for old timbers and interesting objects. Her artworks stem from her textile background and have a strong use of pattern, colour and textures.
The philosophy of Refresh Me extends to people as well. Building a sense of community through art promotes healing and growth for the individual, young and ‘older’.
The act of creating art is more important than the result. Unknown