The Journey of Jenny McLeod
When it comes to art, some folks are just born with it in their blood. They breathe creativity, they live it, and it becomes a part of who they are. Jenny McLeod, a local artist based in Thames, is one of those artists. With more than 30 years of experience in glassmaking, she’s got the magic touch, and she’s not afraid to share it with her community.
Jenny’s artistic journey started with a leap of faith. At 18, she packed her bags and left her Whitianga home for the bustling city lights of Auckland. There, she dipped her toes into various art forms, experimenting with ceramics, jewellery, fibre art, and more. But, as fate would have it, the universe had something special in store for her. In her second two years of study, she delved deep into the world of glasswork, specifically, fusing.
But what’s so enchanting about fusing glass? Well, for Jenny, it was like love at first sight. The process of bringing different layers of glass together, heating them up in a kiln until they melt and meld into something beautiful, was a revelation. She describes it as ‘addictive’. And as they say, once you find your calling, there’s no looking back.
Jenny’s art is a way of life, not confined to her studio; it’s deeply woven into the fabric of her community. She proudly crafts and sells her artwork on the main street in Thames, where her gallery and home stand as a testament to her dedication.
Glassmaking is a journey in itself, with many intricate stages. First, she carefully cuts sheet glass into her desired shapes. Then, it’s all about arranging the pieces and firing them up in one of her trusty electric kilns. The kiln works its magic, heating the glass to high temperatures, softening the edges, and merging the layers. It’s like a slow dance with fire, taking several days to reach the perfect temperature and then cool down gently. Some pieces even go through a second round of firing, allowing them to take on unique shapes. Afterwards, Jenny and her partner get their hands dirty, drilling holes for hanging and creating various cords for a touch of finesse. Each glass piece is handled with care and precision, ensuring that the final product is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thames has played a significant role in shaping Jenny’s artistic vision. Her childhood on the Coromandel Peninsula instilled a deep love for nature, which remains a driving force in her art. The rolling hills, pristine beaches and lush forests that surround her have left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.
But there’s more to the story. Jenny’s art is also influenced by the multicultural environment she’s immersed herself in. Having lived in Auckland and travelled to places
like Rarotonga, Samoa, Fiji and beyond, her love for Pasifika style shines through in her work.
Growing up on a dairy farm, she was surrounded by art and artists. Her boyfriend’s parents were both potters and musicians, the father of one of her best mates was a contemporary painter, and even her aunt was an artist. She was living in a world filled with art, and these artists weren’t just dabblers; they were professionals who made a living from their creativity. They showed her that art wasn’t just a dream; it could be a career. Her parents, standing solidly in her corner, were her biggest cheerleaders on this journey.
Jenny works primarily with sheet glass, but she’s no stranger to recycling. To keep costs in check, she’ll throw in good-condition old window glass. She’s even known to give random sheet glass a whirl, resulting in some exciting, if unpredictable, outcomes. Lately, she’s taken on the challenge of using glass bottles—a bit labour-intensive, but definitely sustainable and fun.
Jenny takes pride in being a trustee at the Thames Public Art Trust (TPAT). TPAT is all about enhancing the local environment with beautiful sculptures, making Thames an even more vibrant and diverse place to live and visit.
Although dealing with the retail space is a challenge, Thames’ main street has been the perfect home for Jenny’s artistic spirit. The community has welcomed her with open arms, recognising the uniqueness of creating art right there in her studio. It’s still a bit like working from home, which, truth be told, is how she’s always rolled.
Jenny is throwing a late-night shindig on 8th December. Everyone is invited to walk through her kiln room, enjoy a glass of bubbles in the courtyard, and even enter for a chance to win a glass prize. It’s an opportunity to get a sneak peek behind the scenes and witness the creative process up close.
Jenny McLeod’s glass work is more than just art; it’s a celebration of the environment, culture and life in Thames. So, what are you waiting for? Swing by her gallery at 644 Pollen Street, Thames and soak in the magic of her art!
Words by the Coromind Team
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