ABOUT THE COURSE FACILITATOR
Photography by Joel Smedley (joelsmedleyphotography.com)
Visit jennifersturrock.com or follow @jensturrock to discover more of her work, news and events.
Jennifer Sturrock
Alongside her own artistic practice and often in collaboration with others, Jennifer has been enabling people to find effective ways to weave their own creative process for over a decade.
Born in Edinburgh, Jennifer is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and educator who integrates textiles, fashion and writing.
Studying for her undergraduate degrees at Chelsea College of Art and London College of Fashion, she then gained a Masters Degree in Theology & the Arts, from Kings College London, majoring in the ‘Idea of Beauty'.
Formerly Senior Producer of Residencies at the V&A museum, where she mentored and worked with artists and designers as they created new work in the museum, she has delivered talks, training and worked with a range of organisations (below) including the RSA, Courtauld Institute and UAL. She continues to develop her artistic practice, as well as to collaborate with cultural institutions and universities in various forms of public engagement in the UK and internationally.
Her recent publication, Pulling Threads (April, 2020) which combines twenty poems and twenty textile artworks unravelling the unknown, has been acquired by the National Poetry Library’s permanent collection in London, as well as the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh.
Testimonials from individual practitioner mentoring and participants of workshops run by Jennifer :
“Whatever it is you create it always starts with a blank page and dares you to venture into the vast unknown of your mind. There is no one I trust more than Jennifer to help guide me on those most frightening transformative and rewarding journeys of all.” - Voytek, participant of School of Unknowing course pilot module
“I went to one of her talks and it was beautiful to learn how she visualised the creative process. She’s a gifted storyteller. It resonated with me ever since and I have found ways somehow to apply that to my own process.” - Cyrus, participant of CreateFutures talk at V&A Museum
“I tuned in for one of Jennifer's Live Drawing Workshops during lockdown with hopes of trying something new. The session was in no way limited by the confines of Instagram Live; Jennifer is an eloquent, skilled practitioner, creating a space that manages to be safe, encouraging and exploratory. Seemingly simple drawing practices gave rise to insights into personal revelations around control, trust and other topics I didn't imagine we'd touch on. I would recommend others to take the step of just trying, and be prepared for an entirely worthwhile, valuable experience.” - David, participant of Live Draw workshop exploring visual perception
“I really enjoyed it - it’s been really great to think about my preconceptions and the way I would go about thinking about creative process - having time to reframe that has been really valuable” - Beth, participant of School of Unknowing course pilot module
‘Jen is so great to work with, she was really invested in my practice and has been supporting me since meeting during my V&A residency. It’s truly fortunate to have worked with her, she’s both an amazing art practitioner and friend.’ - Aqui, artist, activist and former V&A Museum ‘artist in residence’
“Thank you for a really useful and thought-provoking day” - Katy, Curator of Arts Collections, Science Museum (London)
“Jen’s workshops offer practical tools to encourage creative thinking and facilitate an exchange of ideas - the hour or so flew by“ - Leah, participant of School of Unknowing course pilot module
“Thank you so much for such a fun and insightful session Jen! I loved the quick drawing warm-ups, and how you weaved in moments to reflect on our creative practices. The workshop helped me identify potential blocks in my projects and sketch out ways to overcome them.” - Matteo, former V&A Museum ‘designer in residence’
“Thank you Jen, today was excellent!” - Alma, Innovation Manger, Crafts Council (Uk)
“I’ve gained enthusiasm, confidence - I can express myself creatively.” - participant of creative workshop held at London College of Fashion