British artist Kate Jenkins uses knit and crochet to recreate delectable depictions of food. The light hearted results are incredibly skilful and realistic with a touch of humour and she has had exhibited both locally and internationally. 

Where are you based?

I’m based in Brighton and I work from my studio which is in an old Mews which is steeped with history and character where I have worked from for over 16 years and counting. I am extremely lucky as I have a large studio with a gallery space attached to it where I can show and sell my work directly to clients.

What is your background in textiles?

I studied a degree in fashion textiles with business studies graduating in 1995 from the University of Brighton. I have always been fascinated with all things textile related so I was always learning how to make things at home via my mother and grandmother who were prolific in all things crafty including knit, embroidery, crochet etc… 

How do you describe your work?

I think it is hard to describe your own work fully but I like to create something beautiful combined with something amusing depending on the subject matter and my mood at the time.I am best known for my knitted and crocheted depictions of popular dishes and my nostalgic take on everyday items, re-invented with a comedic touch.

 Sometimes it can be an idea I have randomly had and then I need to create it immediately in yarn.. other times it is a conversion I have had with someone or a play on words with a visual pun or even something I have seen on my various travels to other countries. 

Why did you choose food as your subject matter?

I love the fact that the possibilities with food as a subject matter are endless as there is so much incredible inspiration all around. This can be from different countries, categories, styles, sweet, savoury, fish, poultry, meat.. it just goes on and on and on.I don’t feel I will ever get bored of creating food.. I think it is safe to say I am obsessed with it as a subject matter. 

How do you created a piece? Do you sketch first?

I always have a sketchbook in my bag and am constantly taking photos on my phone for reference. Once I get an idea I feel compelled to make it in knit or crochet immediately as I am excited to see how it will look in 3d. There’s a lot of trial and error involved but I absolutely love that whole part of the design process and seeing something grow from lots of experimentation until the perfect result is achieved.

How long does a piece take to create?

I am often asked this question but it is hard to answer exactly as each piece of work I do varies from one subject matter to another. For example a sardine will take longer to make than say a raspberry tart as it is sequinned which is rather time consuming. 

What is your career highlight so far? 

I am most proud of the last exhibition I did back in January 2020 in Hong Kong ‘The Art of Love Bakery’ . I love to travel the world and to have my first solo show in Asia was incredible.. a huge achievement. I have also had solo shows in New York, London, Barcelona but the last one in Hong Kong was my favourite to date. It consisted of a knitted and crocheted bakery where we created a life size bakery where people could shop for specific cakes, breads, tarts etc as part of the exhibition. I did have other venues planned this year but due to the Pandemic that we are all experiencing at present these have all been postponed or put on hold.. but you never know.. this may change.. fingers crossed 🙂

Are there any exciting plans ahead?

Since lockdown I have carried on creating alone in my studio which has been great as it has given me time to conjure up new ideas and inspiration for the next year ahead. I have enjoyed this time of self isolating over the past few months of lockdown creating new work for a book project which I hope to have ready at the end of this year… failing that 2021.

www.katejenkinsstudio.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/KateJenkinsArt

https://www.instagram.com/kjcardigan