JENNY Thorby has been an active member of the Nambucca Valley Art Council (NVAC) for four years, since she first came to live in Nambucca Heads, and frequently exhibits at the Stringer Gallery.

Jenny’s work will return to the Gallery from Tuesday April 5, in an exhibition called ‘Jenny’s Journey’, running until Saturday April 30.

After studying art at school, which she loved, Jenny then went on to study textile design. As a result, many of her works include floral motifs.

Two years ago, she began printmaking and it is this medium that she is currently working on.

With considerable passion and an obvious joy from her art making, Jenny says, “I love the mystery of printmaking.

“You never know what it will turn out like till you pull that final print.”

Jenny explores all sorts of printmaking from dry point (involving scratching onto plastic or metal) to lino printing, collagraphs and etching.

Wood engraving is a favourite, as is scraperboard (also called scratchboard).

This last technique is not a print-making method, but involves scratching onto a specially prepared black surface with a sharp tool to reveal the white underneath.

This can then be hand painted or left as a black and white image.

Inspiration is drawn from her wonderful travels in the outback where old houses, flowers, birds and a never-ending love of nature beckon her to take many photographs. She then uses these to create her unique prints and scraperboard images.

Jenny has been greatly influenced by other printmakers.

She states, “I aspire to the works of Lionel Lindsay (wood engravings), Durer (dry point), Kit Hiller (lino prints) and many other artists.”

Currently, Jenny is a member of the Coffs Printmakers Group, which is another source of inspiration for her.

Another exhibition soon to be installed at the Gallery is a new Feature Exhibition, open to all NVAC members.

Titled ‘Rivers and Creeks’ this exhibition promises to equally delight the viewing public.

Exhibition dates:
– Jenny’s Journey: Tuesday 5 April – Saturday 30 April
– Rivers and Creeks: Tuesday 5 April – Saturday 28 May

Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm and Saturday 9.30am – noon.

The Stringer Gallery is located in the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre, in Ridge Street, next door to the Post Office.

Please note the Gallery will be closed on the three public holidays in April.