Shimmering Jenny – mixed media 1.95m x 1.5m
This is my portrait of a very important and lovely person, our amazing Jenny Bowker AO. Although I didn’t get into the Archibalds as a finalist, the experience of first approaching Jenny then flying up to spend a day with Jenny and her wonderful husband Bob. Setting up to take the photos with my husband Carl. To then doing some smaller test runs and finally to bite the bullet by approaching the real big one.
Thoroughly enjoyed all the good and bad moments of the process being the awkwardness of getting the canvas under the needle of my Bernina Q20 to making sure I had ruled the lines the right way to represent Jenny’s ‘Shimmering Triangles’ pattern. Nevertheless getting Jenny to look like Jenny and make sure her warm essence shows through….haha no pressure! I also wanted to make Jenny shine as these art works get just a few seconds in front of the judges, so just hoping to standout a little.
‘Shimmering Jenny’ is now the property of Jenny too. I was very honored that Bob Bowker contacted me asking me to purchase it, which was significant enough to tell me they liked it! That was all I needed. So sold for a cappuccino when we next meet!
The pressure and doubt that always goes through your mind while in the process and the end result I am amazed I get anything done.
Anyway I thank Jenny for the help and support. Can I say it was so lovely to walk into my studio each day to have Jenny smiling at me….I just couldn’t help but smile back.
Process photos will be in ‘The Digital Cloth’ e-mag in 2021.
I think you captured Jenny’s essence very well. Congratulations on a great portrait. Your generosity is amazing.
Great work Sue. It is instant,y recognisable as Jenny. Sad you didn’t make the finalists but good on you for entering. I would have given it 1st prize.
What an amazing piece of work!