Bryony Rose Jennings, a UK-based artist, has captivated the art world with her enchanting textile sculptures, affectionately known as “Pretty Scruffy”. These creations are more than mere figures; they are storied beings, each woven from the fabric of past lives. Jennings’ sculptures emerge from a tapestry of reclaimed textiles, each piece meticulously chosen and stitched to breathe life into whimsical representations of animals.
Her work is not bound by the pursuit of realism but is driven by the essence of the creatures she depicts, resulting in a surreal interpretation that is both stylized and spirited. The process is a slow, organic evolution of wrapping, folding, stitching, and stuffing, allowing each animal’s personality to unfold naturally. Jennings’ artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of imagination and the beauty of upcycled art. Her sculptures can be found for purchase, and her latest projects are shared with an eager audience that follows her journey.
The Textile Menagerie is my imaginary storyland of creatures. I use reclaimed textiles in my work, a soft, worn medium that carries the imprints of lives previously encountered. Old cloth, conveying a sense of history, lends itself perfectly to my endeavours. My making process is slow, manipulating fabric into form, allowing a personality to develop organically as I wrap, fold, stitch and stuff. I aim to weave a little soul and magic into every beastie I create. My depictions are stylised, obviously inspired by the animals of our world, but not an attempt to replicate that beauty and perfection. Instead, the idea of a specific species informs a more surreal interpretation, unbound by reality.
Bryony Rose Jennings
More info: Website, Facebook, Instagram.
