Jean Tinsley is a multi-media artist and maker based in Stocksfield, Northumberland where she enjoys sharing her skills running art and craft workshops using a variety of different materials and techniques.
After taking early retirement I embarked on a BTEC course in Art and Design at Newcastle College then went on graduate from Newcastle University with a Fine Art Degree in 2014.
Since graduating I have experimented with various media and now have developed a creative practice that is focused on a mix of fine art and traditional crafts. I am currently focusing on working with sustainable materials and using traditional techniques.
As our lives have become more hectic many hand crafting skills have been lost. These hand crafts were often communal activities where skills would be passed down from generation to generation. They were also influenced by the need to create new from old. My work seeks to keep these crafts alive, offer the opportunity for others to engage in them and to reuse and repurpose items; yet at the same time give them a contemporary twist.
At the moment I am enjoying experimenting with willow, textiles, book making and various printing techniques to make a range of both functional and aesthetic items. The willow I use is sourced locally and harvested annually by hand. I really enjoy working with willow and appreciate its tactile and robust nature, the range of colours it offers and how it can be woven to create intricate and interesting forms.
My handmade books are fashioned in varying shapes and sizes, with different page arrangements and alternative bindings. I use natural materials such a woollen tweeds, leathers and handmade papers to fashion tactile, hardwearing notebooks.
Examples of Jeans work can be viewed on her website www.jeantinsleyarts.com and she is currently exhibiting her willow work at Number One Kirkharle, Kirkharle Courtyard, Northumberland.
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