Jenny Hall

This month sees the 1st birthday of Japanfluence, and who better to feature than the fantastic art of our avatar artist!

1. First and foremost, your work, Kimono Sleeve, sits proud as the Japanfluence Group, where and when did you take this beautiful shot? Its form and colours are just amazing

I took this shot in my neighbourhood shopping street in Osaka, Komagawa shoutengai. The area is well-known in Osaka for cheap prices and friendly locals. I lived there for a long time so got to know it well. Even when I go back now it feels like home. I shot this kimono hanging outside a shop just before I moved back to Australia last year. There’s something very erotic about the layers and curves of kimono sleeves.

2. Your portfolio is full of colour and life, can you tell us a little about the places you’ve been to, and the things you’ve seen that have made you take that snapshot?

I’ve travelled to over 30 countries and am fascinated by how people have adapted their environment to develop art and craft techniques, and form their unique cultural style. I’ve enjoyed every country I’ve been to for different reasons but something about Japan resonates. I never tire of the culture and the aesthetic. A month or so before I shot this I interviewed a Japanese designer in Kyoto. His family had been in the kimono trade for generations but he was using the original patterns for modern clothing – Hawaiian shirts and women’s tops. He told me that the traditional methods are dying out – especially the ability to select and mix the dyes for each pattern. He is trying to keep these techniques alive by adapting them for use in the modern world. Kyoto Journal magazine will run my interview with this designer in its next issue #70 (http://www.kyotojournal.org/index.html). Photographs from this interview can also be found here: http://jenny-hall.smugmug.com/gallery/2421514_WXjfr

3. (L-R) Silk on Skin, Temple Tattoo, Internal Glow, etc….. are these all self portraits? What is your philosophy behind these?

Yes – these are self-portraits. Self-portraits are not my usual thing but these images developed out of a project titled PeaceWorks. This has been an ongoing project by the Kansai International Photographers’ Association (KIPA). We have done several exhibitions on the same theme. For this exhibition (22-31 Aug 2008 in Yokohama) I came to the conclusion that peace is subjective and wanted to focus on the senses – what made me feel peace? I realised that Japanese things and situations made me feel peace – the smell of fresh tatami, the atmosphere of a temple, the practise and observation of shodo (calligraphy). Rather than just use images of these things, I wanted to do something different from my usual work so I merged images with the self-portrait to emphasise the personal nature of each of these things. See more about the PeaceWorks project here: http://www.peace-works.net/

4. In a few of your pieces, you use some kanji, Tea, Writing Ribbons ~ is this something that you would like to explore further for your work?

Yes – I am interested in textures and merging them with photographs using different techniques. I’ve been inspired by my good friend, Kara Rasmanis as well as others on Red Bubble such as Elena Ray and Melanie Dooley.

5. I have said to you before, i feel that your portfolio is the essence of what the Japanfluence Group is all about. This Group isn’t just about photos of Japan, but its more about a style, a composition, an inspiration. What is your favourite thing about our unique group, what do you take away the most?

I love the Japanese aesthetic and really miss the constant contact with that aesthetic now that I live in Melbourne. Through Japanfluence I can maintain that contact and be inspired by how others respond to Japan.

6. For how long/how many times have you been to Japan?

I lived in Osaka for 8 years. I only returned to Australia last year and miss Japan very much. It is a country I will always return to.

7. Whats your favourite piece in your body of work?

I think my favourite is Odaiko. This was such an amazing thing to witness – a 56-year-old in this battle with the huge drum. I travelled to Sado island in the Sea of Japan for Earth Celebration in 2006. I photographed workshops and performances by the drumming group, Kodo, for 3 days. It was a fantastic experience. More photos from that shoot can be seen here: http://jenny-hall.smugmug.com/gallery/1846263_JtkMG

8. Are there any techniques or locations that you’d like to explore with your work next?

I am working on a couple of different projects at the moment. One of them involves merging Japanese textures and patterns with Japanese landscapes. I’m working on improving my photoshop techniques – so many people on Red Bubble have great photoshop skills and have shown me the endless possibilities. As for locations – the world is a big place and I’m always dreaming of my next trip.

thanks purely decorative! :)

Hi Jenny, this is the first time i’ve seen your work and feel delight hearing you speak about your japanese experiences…..... i feel the resonance of the culture through you. You have reminded me of a recurring dream-impression visiting and working in Japan.
thanks for the beauty and simplicity!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I’m really honoured that I was chosen as the featured artist for the group’s birthday.

thanks Jenny for your inside of Osaka and the amazing side of a traditional art of making Kimonos.
Yes i lived in Japan in Hokkaido for 3 years and it feels like my second home also,i miss it alot and those smells.
Now i wish to travel to Osaka to have a look around,thanks again.

arigato
cherry blossom