Deaf Awareness and Disability Visibility – Jenny Meehan/jennyjimjams’ Coronavirus Pandemic Project
July 25, 2020
Deaf Awareness and Disability Visibility
Deaf Awareness and Disability Visibility; Face Masks for Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing
(plus anyone who requires assistance in seeing facial expressions, lips to read, or in other diverse spectra of communication difficulties)
With so many exhibitions cancelled, I have a little bit more time, so I am doing what I enjoy and writing another journal post! It’s likely I will put my journal posts on hold for a while, as I am using this time as a time of focusing on facemask, stickers and pinbadge designs, including many designs to help increase deaf awareness, plus providing an option and more choice for those who find communications made harder due to mass masking in the community.
While I am mostly involved in Fine Art, my practice is eclectic and I enjoy design work. I’m going to ramble on down one track now, as my most recent Coronavirus Creative Project is in the forefront of my mind.
My Jenny Meehan/Jennyjimjams Redbubble Shop is here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/shop
I add designs to my Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing Face Mask Collection every few weeks, so do take a look at the latest new designs!
I also have many patterned Reusable Face Mask designs on my Redbubble profile too, so take a look at those too!
If you are here to look at a wider overview of my Fine Art, then scroll on down to the various past posts to get a wider overview. The MENU tab shows the four pages of this journal, two of which are dedicated to my knee replacement journey and the other two contact pages.
As this is a wordpress blog, you can locate the stream of my posts in reverse chronological order by scrolling downwards, or take a pot luck approach by using the SEARCH box. I don’t currently have a website, apart from my old one, jamartlondon.com, as that’s something I plan to update next year. If you scroll right down to the bottom, There is s RECENT POSTS section where you can pick a recent stream of journalling. Pressing the SHOW FULL SITE tab is another option.

jenny meehan
Jenny Meehan: Deaf/deaf Masks Communication Prompt Aids
Deaf Awareness and Disability Visibility; Jenny Meehan jennyjimjams
Aside: Jennyjimjams is a nick name given to me by a dentist I worked for once when a Dental Nurse. I rather like it, so use it in some of my social media and one of my two redbubble artist profiles! I do, also, do quite a bit of work in my pyjamas, as I have happily been working from home for years, and you can do that kind of thing!
About this Project:
I have been very busy designing many options for reusable cloth barrier type face masks! Inspired by a past career as a Dental Nurse, in which I wore a surgical face mask every working day, the mask topic has always been on my interest radar, and was right back in March 2020. I do wish we were wearing them indoors in public spaces earlier in greater numbers, but, well, we are finally here in Coronavirus Pandemic face covering/mass masking time.
This is not very good for communications though…particularly for those who are Deaf, deaf, Hard of Hearing or have other communication needs which mean they really do need to see your face when talking. There are many, many ways you can help make things easier, and the most important thing is to be patient, disability aware, and respectful. Ask the person you are talking to what they would like you to do to help. Different people will have different communication needs.
Everyone is very different. Some people are comfortable with you lowering your mask at distance, others may not be. There are speech to text apps, pen and paper, good lighting, reduction of background noise, making sure you face the person directly, re phrase and repeat if necessary. These are just a few suggestions. There are many Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing bloggers blogging about their experiences of being out and about in the Coronavirus Pandemic, what mass masking means for them, and how it affects their lives. So taking the time to speak to deaf/Deaf/Hard of Hearing folk, and/or reading on the internet about pandemic life and what communication barriers it presents, is all a good use of time.
Clear Face masks, See-Through Masks, Window Masks are very popular, but may not suit every persons needs or preferences. I feel the more choice people have the better, and so I hope my designs can be a useful resource for many Deaf/deaf hard of hearing folk, especially for those routine tasks like shopping, etc where most of the communications will be with hearing folk. I’ve made a HUGE range of different options with respect to wording and design, and I hope my energy spent in creating fashionable, stylish designs, in over 100 different options, brings an extra bit of a smile to anyone who benefits from using them. I have worked really hard to create a good range, because inclusive design matters and I wanted to put my creative skill to a good use at this difficult time.
While many people lipread, its ONE mode of communication and lack of awareness and knowledge mean that if a deaf person is wearing a clear mask, window mask, or see-through mask, the hearing person may assume that seeing their lips alone will suffice, whereas this is not always the case at all. For example, A deaf/Deaf person wearing a window mask may still want someone to write something down for clarification, or prefer to use AI… There are many wonderful speech to texts Apps available. Or to write something down may be preferable full stop.
No group of people is identical (obvious, but we need reminding!) and so the more options people have the better. Deaf/deaf hard of hearing people, and anyone with hearing loss to varying degrees, (or other communication difficulties) encounters more difficulty with communication due to the Coronavirus Pandemic mass masking. The wearing of barrier masks in the community is, in my opinion, very wise, but it is a supplementary measure to distancing. It is keeping the physical distance which is key, and for brief interactions, the guidance is currently (at the time of writing this, in England), that one metre+ for distance is sufficient.
When a deaf/Deaf Hard of hearing person, (or someone who needs others to remove their mask to aid communication for any other reason) is shopping, for example, if they request you remove your face mask to help with a brief communication, it is important that you are aware this is a perfectly reasonable, and not an “unsafe” request. The reality is, that if you remove your face mask for someone to aid communication, it is THEM not yourself, who has more prerogative to make that decision, in relation to their own choices with respect to any risk factors. Note.. Obviously we all have rights, and the current situation, it’s really vital to respect other peoples level of comfort and feelings and not violate those. I write what I write with respect to the principle. In practice, there will be people, from both positions, who are not comfortable with this option and mutual respect is key. The key is, you ask! And communicate clearly and respectfully.
Deaf Awareness and Disability Visibility Coronavirus Pandemia!
I’ve created a large collection of different communication prompt/deaf awareness reusable face coverings. Take a look at one whole collection here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/shop?artistUserName=jennyjimjams&collections=1511687&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=recent
There is a maximum of 100 designs per collection on redbubble, and I have exceeded that number, so in addition to the deaf awareness and disability awareness designs in the collection, I have now many others floating around among my other redbubble.com artworks!
I have TWO redbubble artist profiles, jennyjimjams.redbubble.com and JennyMeehan.redbubble.com. I’m putting my Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing and Disability Visibility designs on my jennyjimjams.redbubble.com profile. Jennyjimjams.redbubble.com is the redbubble Artist shopfront I use for graphic designs and single, fine art type artworks. I use my other redbubble.com artist shopfront, JennyMeehan.redbubble.com, mostly for surface pattern designs of interest to interior designers, for home decoration, interior stylists and homes and interiors kind of things!
With Christmas2020 coming… And how different is that going to be this year? Online shopping is going to be the way ahead for many of us when looking for Christmas gifts and presents. I’m happy to sing the praises of Redbubble as an online print-on-demand Marketplace, as I have ordered from them myself and have always been delighted with the products I received. Redbubble are the ones who you make your transaction with…they fulfil your order. Yet as the indie artist who created the graphics printed on your product, I get an artist’s margin, so please choose my designs if you like what I am doing here!
Thoughts on the Mass Masking Battleground!
If you are not interested in my thoughts on mass masking, skip this part and shimmy down to see some of my deaf/Deaf hard of hearing, hearing loss designs. I create a few more each week, so there are new ones appearing all the time. This blog shows only a selection.
PS: Please send me feedback, via this blogs contact form, if you find the work I have done with creating my designs for Deaf/deaf people helpful. I have also created more broader communication prompts, which could be useful for other special needs or people with different disabilities. (There is Bubblemail on Redbubble.com but both people need to be logged in to see messages).
One simple principle which community mass masking operates on is tidal breath deflection. The potentially helpful effects of mass masking in the community are about simple breath deflection with an additional aspect of a partial, physical barrier to larger droplets. (Also known as basic hygiene!)
Your tidal breath (when you speak or breath naturally) comes out your mouth at speed, and wearing a barrier mask deflects that breath in a way which means it doesn’t travel so far. Barrier masks/surgical masks don’t do anything more than they have ever done. They are not designed to totally block the transmission of respiratory viruses. They are a matter of simple hygiene and, in the case of a surgical setting, they do act as a partial barrier to droplets when in close proximity. All that blood and splashes of saliva, etc! A basic, physical barrier is a good thing, and when coughs and sneezes are around it’s easy to see how wearing a face covering is common sense in the midst of a global pandemic.
It has been hard for many, with our black and white thinking, (all prone to that!) to think that either face masks “work” or they don’t. But life is never black and white. It is far more nuanced. A partial barrier, or anything which offers some help in a situation, to my mind is well worth it. The problem is maybe that people ascribe more to the wearing of face coverings than actually exists. However, this was a known, and predicted problem.
Unfortunately, I have seen for myself, many times, that the wearing of face masks and face coverings does result in people not keeping an appropriate distance, but if people think they are “protected” by wearing them I guess that’s not surprising. There is so much about Covid_19 that is unknown, and probably always will be, but I think the thing which is, maybe, helpful to bear in mind, is that it appears that the MAIN transmission route for Covid_19 is airborne, therefore it’s really important to keep a DISTANCE and avoid indoor crowded spaces for any lengthy duration of time if practically possible. Virus straight out of an infected persons mouth, via tidal breath, when face to face over a period of time, is the thing to be aware of, more than which particular type of barrier mask is better or worse.
NOTE: I am sharing my own perspectives here. I am not, and do not claim to be an expert of any kind, and the reality is, that with Covid-19 we are in unknown territory. Airborne transmission was frequently thought irrelevant at the outset… that has changed. I have based my approach on my own experiences and general interests. Right from the outset, my thinking was largely coloured by previous (still mysterious!) influenza A examples of research, and the tidal breath matter has been something which I have thought key.
Yet it is also the case that disagreement over virus transmission has ALWAYS been present. With so far encountered viruses, there are conflicting views and results. We may not like conflicting information, views, and grey areas in the midst of a global pandemic, but this is something we need to accept, for our own mental well being.
Follow the Government guidelines for good hygiene and as the research develops things may change. Wearing barrier face coverings and face masks is prudent and considerate in the middle of a global pandemic!
Disability Awareness and Disability Visibility
Due to my own experience of what is often termed “hidden disability” during the most difficult phase of my trauma recovery journey and other disability (ie not being able to walk for more than ten minutes with a stick for just over a year prior to my knee replacement), plus the osteoarthritis which is still often quite a big pain, (though not in my new knee!) an interest in disabilities has emerged in my work. Inclusive art is a key value, and to use my design skills to help others in creative visual ways is very exciting to me. I think taking part in the shape open last year helped too. https://www.shapearts.org.uk/blog/shape-open-2019-artists-announced
My design for a new international symbol of access is probably something which will never get any further than the publication in the Shape Open Catalogue, because there are huge amounts of hoops and legislation to do something like change the International Symbol of Access. There are so many countries and organisations involved. However, what I have been able to do is put my design hat on and come up with lots of options which I hope will act as communication prompts for people in certain situations. Now we are wearing masks more of the time, to put things on a mask to help may be a good option for some people. I have also ensured that many of my inclusive designs are available on other accessories and clothing for those who cannot wear a mask themselves.
I hope you like looking at the design examples I have posted on here. The are all ©Jenny Meehan. To get a better idea of how HUGE my deaf awareness and disabiltiy visibility range is, do take a look at my redbubble jennyjimjams artist profile though! I think I may be well up to around 300 so far!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams
I use the artist margin I get (when all deductions taken by redbubble for the manufacture, etc) to help buy materials for my fine art practice. I have found over the years that being a fine artist is a challenge to sustain, but I do my best to try and sustain the creative vision and the work I do, basically because I believe wholeheartedly that visual art and all the arts are essential to good quality of life, health, and to an imaginative and vibrant culture.
I do not personally operate on a profit making basis. Any financial benefits received from this project feed straight into my fine art fund and help me buy what I need to continue my focus as a fine artist. Redbubble.com is it’s own business, and one I am a fan of because it means artists like me can spread our artwork far and wide. Not everyone can afford to buy original artworks, but redbubble.com means you can buy affordable prints from great artists, and help support them at the same time as getting something unique and original. I love it!
There are literally thousands of artists and designers on redbubble. I am just one. So if my designs are useful to you, please let me know because it’s always a great encouragement. Thanks!
A good scheme they are doing at this current time is donating one mask to a charity for each one you buy. More info on the redbubble website.
They also run various discounts and promotions if you are registered with them.
Redbubble are an ethically sound company, and get any products they print on demand printed as near to the buyer geographically as possible to reduce their carbon footprint. Different products are sometimes printed in different facilities.
Examples of Deaf Awareness/Disability Awareness Pandemia by Jenny Meehan
Now I’ve posted loads of images as examples, but since doing so I have added more designs, so this is simply a taster!
I’ve created a large collection of different communication prompt/deaf awareness reusable face coverings. Take a look at just one collection here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/shop?artistUserName=jennyjimjams&collections=1511687&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=recent
A rather lippy one!

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan
Deaf, deaf, Hard of Hearing, Lipreading Reusable Masks
and Matching Accessories, including Bags, Notebooks, Badges and Clothing!
Here are some more examples. Being a bit lazy and just showing screenshots. Reason being I have spent so much time on this project that I seriously need to get into my studio tent and get on with some visual experiments I am busy with in there…!

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan
I often do my exercises, which I need to do for my joints each morning and think up ideas for different designs while doing my exercises! Yes, and I am indeed, in my pyjamas, as you would expect jennyjimjams to be!
It’s a shame the redbubble masks have ear loops…I know these are not good for many people. I think problems could be got around by doing what I do with my home made face covering…. a large elastic band and safety pins, works well and then the mask can go around the back of your head. You can adjust the elasticity depending on where you pin the elastic bands (if a fabric face covering.
With the ear loop masks, I think if you had a big elastic band you could knot it round one loop and then use the pin on the other. Or just loop a large elastic band around the ear loops and join it with one safety pin. Easy to remove when you need to wash your face mask. I am really sorry there are no other options, but I don’t actually manufacture the face masks, just create the graphic designs!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams
To buy the fruits of my Coronavirus Pandemic Creative Project!

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan

deaf_Deaf_Lipreader_FaceMasks_jenny_meehandeaf_Deaf_Lipreader_Face Masks_jenny_meehan to buy via redbubble print on demand site, inclusive designs and communication prompts for corona virus pandemic ©Jenny Meehan
The link which takes you to view ALL my designs, and not just the Deaf, deaf, Lipreaders, Hard of Hearing Collection of Face Masks, and matching accessories, badges, etc is
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams
To buy the fruits of my Coronavirus Pandemic Creative Project!
The link which takes you to view ALL my designs, and not just the Deaf, deaf, Lipreaders, Hard of Hearing Collection of Face Masks, and matching accessories, badges, etc is here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/explore to view the design artworks, minus images of them applied onto products.
The designs for Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing I have shown you here are some of the most recent ones, but I have designed a vast landscape of options, with many variations, including some with distancing prompts and reminders, some with specific reference to lipreading and others with none, some suggesting that the other person lowers their mask when asked, and others which just ask the other person to lower their mask automatically.
Some include “please” and other such niceties, others are just straight to the point. I have consulted many people on the various issues which are encountered by Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing folk. Not so much on the other reasons why people find communications adversely affected by face masks and face coverings. I am open to being educated, so please do feel free to let me have constructive critical suggestions and feedback. Very welcome.
Face Covering Exemptions by UK Government
Well, these do change, but at the time of writing…
There are exemptions to the new rules for children under 11, those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering.
There is a card you can print out from the government’s website, to show exception if wished, but stressed people would not be expected to carry proof of an exemption.
It’s worth noting that it’s perfectly reasonable for you to ask someone to remove their mask (at distance of min 1 metre advisable) if this is needed by you to aid communication. People have different comfort levels and emotions can run high as people are subject to various fears, and may have many different reasons to feel they want two people to wear face coverings, even if in a non medical setting for brief interactions, so worth bearing that in mind. If someone is not comfortable, then they could used a visor, a transparent screen, or a face mask with a transparent window.
This is really important:
You can lower or remove a face mask or face covering:
if speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication
It’s really important for people to keep their distance! Rather than whip your face mask or face covering down, ask first if the person wants that!
This also really important:
“In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.”
see more here:
I have designed many other designs, hopefully suited to different needs, preferences and situations. I hope they help!
The link which takes you to view ALL my designs, and not just the Deaf, deaf, Lipreaders, Hard of Hearing Collection of Face Masks, and matching accessories, badges, etc is here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/explore
If you have purchased any of my designs from redbubble.com, do please let me know, and if you have a photo of yourself and your purchase, send it my way if you are OK with it being published on the internet in this blog. I don’t know the identity of who purchases products with my art and design on via Redbubble, so it’s always nice to know who is enjoying my work!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams
To buy the fruits of my Coronavirus Pandemic Creative Project!

sunflower by Jenny Meehan ©Jenny Meehan
Let’s be KIND… Really kind, to ourselves and others too!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams
To buy the fruits of my Coronavirus Pandemic Creative Project!
Great Christmas Gifts! You could make up your own Christmas Hamper for someone, with a few items from my redbubble shopfront on redbubble, and some food and drink maybe! Masks2Match some snazzy socks, a stylish fashionable reusable mask and maybe a notebook…So they can write all about it!
Keim Galaxies Launch
Not quite completed, as one or two more to do, but mostly done!
I move out of the office into the Studio Tent in the Spring… Well, I need to reconstruct the tent because it has suffered with the wind and rain, but should be sorted by April. In the Summer I tend to paint, and then it’s back to working inside in the Autumn, with more time spent at the computer.
But I am ready to start publishing the Keim Galaxies. I am also playing about with animations, which I very much enjoy. So that adds another dimension, especially with the music. It would be nice to be more creative with the music, but I am just using tracks from copyright free sources right now. I quite fancy getting out my djembe and experimenting with that and the images, but as always, my mind flies off, and I need to keep focused!
I’ve been a fan of Keim Mineral Paints for many years, and over time, my palette has been leaning heavily towards the traditional and classic colours of mineral and earth pigments. So what a delight to work with them in a different way with digital imagery!
The Keim Galaxies range from the subtle and spontaneous, to the bold and highly ordered. I introduced some obviously geometric elements, but while putting them into play, I also aimed to keep a sense of fluidity where possible. I’ve played with contrasts in line, clarity, shape, pattern, scale, and colour, thereby forming an interesting range of imaginative “Galaxies” I hope you’ll enjoy.
These designs are evidence of beauty expressed through an adventurous, creative, process. They are perfect for interiors which embrace the natural mineral and earth colours. Choosing ecologically friendly paints for exterior and interior decoration will help us towards a sustainable future. These designs will perfectly complement any eco-friendly interior setting where traditional paint colours are utilised. Many of these designs will also work to add a contemporary twist in a historic/heritage setting, due to the harmony of the colour palette.
The Keim Galaxies were made possible through the kind donation of un-manipulated digital images of paint buckets from Keim UK, which were used as the starting material for art/designs. PLEASE NOTE; THIS WAS A PROJECT I CARRIED OUT INDEPENDENTLY, IT WAS NOT A COMMISSIONED WORK AND HAS NO FORMAL LINKS WITH KEIM MINERAL PAINTS.
ALL COPYRIGHTS ARE OWNED BY JENNY MEEHAN AND IMAGES ARE LICENSABLE VIA DACS (DESIGNER AND ARTISTS COPYRIGHT SOCIETY – MORE INFORMATION BELOW.
The titles of the Keim Galaxies were created through imaginative ingenuity, and were gathered from many sources, including personal memories, music, dance, and the emotions they illicit when viewed. Spirituality, faith, prayer, and joy in life informs all of my visual art working.
I continue working with the Sol-Silicate paints, loving the colours and everything else about them. It feels good to use eco-friendly, environmentally-friendly paints with traditional colours in a new and innovative way, bringing quite a contemporary twist to the colours which are often to be found in both the interiors and exteriors of heritage buildings. As with all my paintings, I do work on them for several years before they get shown, so for now the Keim Galaxies at least provide something to show for the time being!
Because there are rather a lot, I will post up at the end of this post rather than in the middle of it. I have been working on these for many months, so its interesting to see them as a collection. The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.
Deaf, deaf, Hard of Hearing, Lipreaders, + Face Masks
and Matching Accessories, including Bags, Notebooks, Badges and Clothing!
Featured Collection for 2020 due to Corona Virus Pandemic are over 50 Inclusive Designs by Jenny Meehan
Link direct to the whole collection here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/shop?artistUserName=jennyjimjams&asc=u&collections=1511687&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant
Wonder Video
Follow the link to see my video “Wonder”.
Dwell Time Issue 2
I’m delighted to have been selected for the second “Dwell Time” publication. This is a great project, and the realisation of a fantastic vision and mission. I’m delighted to be part of it!
“Award winning, not-for-profit arts publication reflecting on mental wellbeing. Produced and curated by Alice Bradshaw, Vanessa Haley & Lenny Szrama in collaboration with Penistone Line Partnership. Founded in 2018. Currently funded by Penistone Line Partnership, ACORP, Northern & CrossCountry.”
My contribution:
https://dwelltimepress.wordpress.com/2019/07/31/jenny-meehan-sticky-note-to-my-self/
Which was published online in July 2019, and has been selected for the printed publication.
Here was my own reflection on the work I produced:
“This piece is called “Sticky Note to my Self”. The realities of life are sometimes very hard to bear. Like printed matter, certain facts stare us in the face, and however hard we try to pull them off, it’s just not possible. I chose facts about the Penistone line, because of the publication which is part of the Dwell Time project, but this artwork refers to my own significant train journey to London for psychotherapy on a weekly basis for five years. This sticky note reminds me of my internal journey from one place to another…going in either direction over different units of time.
Thankfully with the right help and support, over the years, the overarching movement is in the direction of health: MOVING and BEING. I hope this is helpful to you in some way.”
https://dwelltimepress.wordpress.com/
Chaiya Art Awards 2020
Drat. While one of my submitted paintings was long listed, and selected in the 106 when it came to finally curating the exhibition it fell out of the loop!
Got this:
“We want to thank you for submitting your creativity to the Chaiya Art Awards on the theme “GOD is … ” We received over 700 entries in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, textiles, photography and video. The quality of submissions was very high and we have chosen 106 works to be longlisted.
Congratulations on successfully making it onto the longlist with Light Touch”
But that is a far as it went!
So easy to happen, but disappointing because I would have loved to have my work in this exhibition. Being a person of faith and m spirituality being such a prime focus, having work in this kind of exhibition would have been great. Blurb from the Chaiya Art Awards website:
“How do 50 artists respond to the phrase God is … ?
From over 700 entries, the 50 artists featured, of all faiths and none, in this curated and juried exhibition, invite us to muse with them their experiences through canvas and paper, photographs and video, cloth and stitch; 3D metalwork and pottery; bronze and stone sculpture alongside an interactive robot.
The panel of five judges, all well respected experts in their arts arena, will choose and announce the winner of the £10,000 along with other prizes on Press night. Visitors will also have their say by voting for the artwork on display during the exhibition for the public prize of £1,000.
This exhibition is an invitation to look beyond, to discern what cannot be seen and grasp what cannot be described.
10% of all artwork sold goes to our Charity partner UNSEEN – working to end human trafficking and modern slavery.
EVENT: CHAIYA ART AWARDS 2020 – Winners Exhibition, Affordable Art Fair
DATES: 10 – 19 April 2020
OPEN: 11am – 6pm every day (till 4pm on last day)
VENUE: Gallery@OXO, Bargehouse Street, London, SE1 9PH
Entrance is free. Artwork for sale, prices from £50 – £12,500″
Well, it’s going to be a great exhibition, so I will certainly enjoy looking at what did make the final selection!
It’s Time for Keim!
So, as promised, here is the collection so far. I am going to have to move onto some paintings over the Summer, but I get the feeling that like Keim Paints, this experimenting with the colours in this way may well be almost as addictive as painting with the paints!
Just skip over the blurb about licensing… I need to include it!

keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
Jenny Meehan (Jennifer Meehan) – How to Contact Me

CLARITY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

SPACE INVADER keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

GOLDEN MOMENT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
Jenny Meehan (Jennifer Meehan) – How to Contact Me

GOLD RUSH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.

MELLOW MEDLEY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

CALM CONSTELLATION keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

TIGHT SQUEEZE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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EXTRAVAGANZA keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

PARTY PIECE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

TIMBRE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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ODD INSCRIPTIONS keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

WOBBLY MOMENT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

UNDERGROWTH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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FULL CIRCLE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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FIRST IMPRESSION keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

FREE FORM keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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ALL THAT GLITTERS keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

GREEN GATHERING keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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GREEN GLASSES keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

ALIEN INVASION keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

EXTRAORDINARY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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KIND OF COLOSSAL keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

SILICA BLING keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

THE NEW BLUE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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DAEDAL keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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STARK REALITIES keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

BEAUTY BOLT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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FREE FALL keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

MISSING PIECE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

CONTAINER keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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TIME WARP keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

POSITIVE ACTION keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

FAST FORWARD keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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NEW HORIZON keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

TRIBAL GATHERING keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

ROYAL RUBY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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INDIAN SUMMER keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

STAR QUALITY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

PURE AND SIMPLE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.

UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

SPLISH SPLASH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

BREATHING SPACE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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MAGNIFICENT MESH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

GROOVY GALAXY keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

QUEEN CONCH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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INSIDE OUT ONE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

INSIDE OUT TWO keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

GENESIS keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

PERFECT MIX keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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CONCATENATION keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

DIHEDRAL DELIGHT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

MARBLED MOMENT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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UP BEAT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.

OUTSTANDING keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

PERFECT MATCH keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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BIFID BUCKET keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

STORM IN A PAINT BUCKET keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

POSITIVE VIBE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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SMOOTH TALKING keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

BALLET BLANC keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

COCO LOCO keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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STRING QUARTET keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

CLASSIC ASANA keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

LEAD LIGHTS keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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SCORDATURA keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.

HOT PALAVER keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

DREAM CATCHER keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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REFLECTIVE STATE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

GALACTIC EMPIRE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

WIBBLE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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HAPPY COUPLE keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

MYSTERY SONATA keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

AIR WAVES keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
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PSYCHEDELIA keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan

PICTURE PERFECT keim galaxies jenny meehan abstract pattern contemporary design inspired by Keim mineral paints UK paint colour mixing images for modern interiors and exterior wall decoration © jenny meehan
The image resolution/quality on this blog is deliberately low, but doesn’t reflect the quality of the original digital images.
Redbubble.com and the “Keim Galaxies”
I am gradually posting the Galaxies up onto my portfolio on the print on demand site Redbubble.com. It’s going to take some time. Take a look here to see how far I have got. If you want any particular “Keim Galaxy” up on Redbubble.com sooner rather than later, just contact me via the contact form here on my blog and I can put it up within three days.
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/explore is the best link to take a quick peruse of which designs I have posted up on Redbubble. This is my MAIN redbubble.com portfolio and the one I post up the “Keim Galaxies” Series.
Kingston Artists’ Open Studios
I am flagging this annual event up, because time really does fly! We now have the dates for this year’s Kingston Artists’ Open Studios! The 2020 Kingston Artist’s Open Studios with be on June 6/7th and 13/14th! Kingston Upon Thames artists open their homes and studios. Open to all. Come and meet us!
More info on the Kingston Artists’ Open Studios website here; http://www.kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk/open-studios/
The catalogue is not out yet, I don’t think, but will be very soon. You can see previous Kingston Artists’ Open Studios Catalogues on the Kingston Artists’ Open Studios website and also sign up to receive more detailed information for this year’s Kingston Artists’ Open Studios when it comes out. You could sign up to my mailing list by using the contact form on this blog, and I will keep you posted. I only send out a newsletter once or twice a year.
Jenny Meehan (Jennifer Meehan) – How to Contact Me
Well, that’s it for March! I need to repair my studio tent now, so I can do some painting!
About Jenny Meehan
Jenny Meehan – UK based painter-poet artist-author
Specialism: Geometric and Lyrical Abstraction
Artist Journal: https://jennymeehan.wordpress.com/
Image licensing via DACS Designer and Artists Copyright Society (DACS proposed fees are negotiable contact me in first instance)
https://www.youtube.com/user/jennyjimjams
https://www.instagram.com/jamartlondon_jennymeehan/
Copyright Information – Jenny Meehan
Copyright in all images by Jenny Meehan is held by the artist.
Any persons discovered to be reproducing, copying or using images by Jenny Meehan without prior consent, authorisation or permission will be put on notice that Jenny Meehan is the copyright owner and asked to immediately cease and desist the infringing activity. If a satisfactory response and / or compliance is not forthcoming promptly, the matter will be pursued. For clarification of the laws of copyright, please contact the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS). http://www.dacs.org.uk
Copyright for all visual art by Jenny Meehan is managed by the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) in the UK. If you wish to licence a work of art by Jenny Meehan, please contact Jenny Meehan in the first instance to clarify your requirements.
Licencing an image is quick and easy for both parties and is organised through the Design and Artist Copyright Society. It can be done online through their request form:
https://dacs.secure.force.com/enquiry/
For an overview on image licensing on the DACS website, look here.
https://www.dacs.org.uk/licensing-works
Please NOTE: the “Quote” suggested is a proposed fee in line with the industry standard. While I do stick broadly to the industry standard with respect to fees, I appreciate the need to stick to a budget in publishing, and the quote is a proposed amount. I normally have some flexibility!
DACS will automatically propose a licensing fee in line with the industry standard. However, please note, this is a negotiable fee. I am happy to be flexible about the initial fee proposed, and it’s not a problem if the initially proposed fee is outside your budget. Administration of the licensing process is facilitated through DACS, who liaise between us with respect to the exact fee agreed. Depending on circumstances and the nature of your project, I can offer fee reductions for a certain percentage of licensing arrangements.
If you use their online form and attach the low resolution image of my artwork which you have found on the internet, they will know which image you seek permission for. You can also contact me directly in the first instance if you wish to, of course. Any arrangements will need to be made through the Designer and Artists’ Copyright Society, but I can often offer the opportunity to alter images, for example, putting in different aspect ratios or colourways, so it’s really helpful to communicate with designers and clients first with respect to the actual image required.
So, feel free to contact me if you are looking for a particular type of artwork image, as I have a large archive of images. I will also be able to let you know the maximum size the digital image is available at. If you then wish to licence the artwork image, you would then contact the Design and Artist Copyright Society to arrange the licencing agreement according to your requirements. Once paid and agreed, I then supply the high resolution image directly to you.
No! Already?
I ran out of time in my last post to tell you more about a project I was pleased to be part of. So better late than never!
Collect Connects’ Artwork for the Tate Modern
This was a Collect Connect project (Alban Low) with Harvey Wells, Kevin Acott and the team at
Queen Mary University of London
From the Collect Connect site:
“In 2016 we created our Relationship Map for Mental Health Awareness Week. It was a large scale artwork that charted people’s life connections using the London Tube map. After its success we’re back in 2019 with a new interactive map that will be exhibited at the Tate Modern from 11th-16th June. It will be part of the Ideas in Motion: borders, bodies, and the universe exhibition at the Tate Modern, Blavatnik Building, Level 5, Bankside, London SE1 9TG.
More info at https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/tate-exchange/workshop/ideas-motion-borders-bodies-and-universe”
“Our artwork is eMotion: Emotional Transitions in Healthcare. Ill-health requires us to make transitions: to move emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically. We adjust from being ‘healthy’ to being ‘ill’, from ‘independence’ to ‘dependence’ and back again. The project highlights the joys and fear of impermanence, of the changes that occur every second, minute and hour of our lives. It embraces movement as normal, as part of the flow of life – something that should neither be resisted nor forced.
We’ve built a huge interactive floor map, in the style of a tube map, which has ‘end stations’ labelled with key points of ‘stasis’. The ‘station stops’ in between are open for people to explore how they navigate these transitions. We would like your help in creating a map so that visitors at the Tate can navigate a path along these routes of transition.”
quoted from the Collect Connect website
Connections on the interactive floor map reflected journeys between two poles;
Health – Illness
Dependence – Independence
Home – Hospital
Life – Death
Young – Old
Hope – Fear
Certainty – Uncertainty
Me – You
Doctor – Patient
There were three blank “stops” for each line. Artists, including myself, made our contributions concept wise and these were made into options for people to arrange so they could connect the concepts in the way they felt meaningful. (For example: what does it feel like to be in the middle between Hope to Fear, or closer to Hope, or closer to Fear. You could write something like: Hope – Last Minute Corner – First Game of Season – One Nil Up – Fear.)
Some of my ideas were used and it was lovely to contribute.
Here were my submissions:
Life – Death
Grateful Reception – Intimate Connection – Anxious Separation
and
Me – You
Expecting – Meeting – Expecting
Doctor – Patient
Controlling – Enquiring – Seeking
Hope – Fear
Holding Wonder Lightly – Trying to Grasp All – Losing Sense of Self
Dependence – Independence
Vulnerability and Need – Gathering Resources – Freedom to Be
Certainty – Uncertainty
Really? – Faith – Trust
Young – Old
Tender in Expectations – Placid Pivotal Places – Facing the Realities
Home – Hospital
Where it Starts – Where it Happens – Where it Ends
Health – Illness
Moving and Being – Maintaining Momentum – Slipping Down Stagnantly
eMotion: Emotional Transitions in Healthcare
Ill-health requires us to make transitions: to move emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically. We adjust from being ‘healthy’ to being ‘ill’, from ‘independence’ to ‘dependence’ and back again. Track your personal route from illness to wellbeing on an interactive map of the healthcare system.
Tate Modern also have this, which looks interesting. As someone with osteoarthritis….(and a nice new total knee replacement to go with it!) impaired mobility has been part of my own experience. Thankfully at present, I am fully mobile, but I did have a two year period when that was not the case.
“Creating without Constraint: Arthritis and Art
Experience this interactive workshop exploring the relationship between impaired mobility and artistic expression. Our researchers will guide you in a ‘journey’ inside the joints with activities simulating the restriction of movement. The display will include the work of Renoir and Pickering, two artists who lived with arthritis, to explore how art can overcome disability. Also, emerging painter Rebecca Ivatts will give a talk about her collaboration with Pickering.”
I looked around and chatted, having excellent conversations and learning lots, as well as sharing my own perspectives and experience of osteoarthritis. I’m particularly interested in chronic pain management, as this is something I studied a fair bit over the two years before my knee replacement surgery out of necessity. I don’t have pain in my knee anymore, but my elbows, wrists and hands have decided to sometimes advertise themselves in the pain department. I’m getting pretty experienced at moving my mind in other directions now!
Big and Small Names at the Tate Modern
The novel thing is, I can now say my name has been present at the Tate Modern! Yes, printed, and there for all to see. Only because of a small contribution, but there all the same. And names mean a lot to us, so just the little printed presence of my name at the Tate Modern can bring me at least a little smile!
People like their names in places…Yes they do. It’s interesting that the now Blavatnik extension/building at Tate Modern was named the “Switch House” when it was opened in June 2016. I do prefer the original name. It holds some relevance to the history of the building which I think is always a good thing. The now Blavatnik Building was originally named the Switch House to reflect the previous use of the site for a power station. It’s very interesting that you can see two circular terrace areas when you look downwards. You can see the Oil Tank Wall, which is an interesting element of design. The Oil Tank Wall encloses two large circular terraces, to the south and east of the building right in front of the new gallery entrance and café. The Oil Tank wall is an above-grade extrusion of the existing below ground Oil Tanks. I love it. It’s a strong feature which heightens your awareness of the past. I think the building was always meant to strongly echo its past as well as its future…because it has an interesting history.
Tate Modern’s The Turbine Hall is housed in the former Bankside Power Station, designed originally by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (He was the architect of Battersea Power Station too!). It was built between 1947 and 1963. Before it was developed the steel framed brick clad building with it’s 99m chimney was divided into three main areas: the Turbine Hall, the Boiler House to the north, and the switch house to the south.
So you see, bearing in mind the Turbine Hall, the Boiler House and the Switch House…yes, a nice trio. It is a bit sad that the Switch House was renamed. I guess when someone donates a lot of money, they like to have their name included. And it’s kind of understandable. Because I got a tiny bit of a kick out of my little name being in the Tate Modern, so I am sure the same kind of kick, but a little bit larger, applies! So the name was changed, a year after the opening, and reflected Blavatnik’s wishes. Bearing in mind the size of the donation, I think it was probably diplomatic to reflect Blavatnik’s wishes. Nicholas Serota, who stepped down as the Tate director at the end of May 2017 said he was “delighted the new building now bears his name”. Blavatnik made the Tate pledge in 2011 and the Blavatnik Family Foundation’s donation made up a substantial amount of the £260m needed to complete it.
So I do wonder if the name “Switch House” was meant to be it’s proper name… I’m sure it was… It would be in accordance with the other buildings. Yet Len Blavatnik, (an industrialist born in Ukraine) came up with the cash in 2017 when Tate Modern found that the new Switch House extension had left it with a £30m funding shortfall. So I shouldn’t be surprised that a year after it opened, the Switch House was renamed the Blavatnik Building. And I’m quite happy with my own name in very small print on an super contribution to the “Ideas in Motion: borders, bodies, and the universe exhibition”.
https://www.ft.com/content/449ad16e-20dd-11e6-aa98-db1e01fabc0c
USSR-born billionaire made one of largest donations in Tate’s history to help fund building temporarily named Switch House
What Style is that Painting?
This was one of the questions I was asked at this year’s Kingston Artists’ Open Studios.
The terms I tend to use for describing my main thrust in painting are bouncing within the realms of the following terms: Lyrical abstraction, abstraction lyrique, tachism, tachisme, action painting, abstract expressionism, art informal, informalism. But these are terms which relate to particular movements in the past, and serve as a way of describing and communicating what to expect with my own painting, and not anything more than that. And it is the case that within my own realm of art working, I move between several styles… This is part of the process of development. I think I have written about this in a previous post. It is a bad thing to narrow down artistic creation in order to adhere or fit into a style. If it happens it will happen naturally, and evolve that way. It will grow and develop, playing and toying with different styles and approaches en route!
It is the case, that when using paint, things now are tending to fall within the bounds of my approach, which is process led and focused on formal elements and experimenting with materials. What comes through is a materialisation, a becoming, of my self. Which references my life experience and emotional and spiritual journey. Mostly I like to let things happen, rather than plan. But there is a lot of unconscious planning which happens I think. There is a lot of emerging!!!
Historical terms and descriptions of styles are good for searching for the kind of paintings you like, and there are plenty of movements which it is helpful for the keen collector of art to educate themselves in. My own preoccupation is with the formal elements of the painting, and a process led approach. My preferred terminology for my own work is that of British romantic, poetic, lyrical, abstract and expressionistic painting. I like the romantic, because of the way it conveys both individuality and intensity of emotion and the importance of these. I loved my studies of the Romantic poets when at University, and also of the paintings of Turner, which were studies as part of a couple of painting courses at West Dean College given by John T Freeman, (who I credit, among others, with role of welcoming me into the realms of painting as a way of life/vocational activity!)
Yet “style” can be a trap. I believe a consistency can be found which comes from the person themselves. Styles may change but the interactions between mediums and styles are what keep an artist’s work dynamic. I don’t need to stick to one style… It’s more a matter of honing my focus and being reflective and innovative. Sometimes that makes an artist’s work rather an eclectic mix. Diverse at times. That’s good, not bad. Don’t worry about how your work would look on a supermarket shelf. Don’t worry about if you are consistent enough. Do your work for your self, unless you particularly want to do it for other people. That’s fine too. But exploration, discovery, experimentation, and going beyond what you can see or anticipate or plan…. These keep things exciting imo.
Do you need exciting, engaging, images for a book cover design?
My artwork is particularly suitable for themes of: faith, religion, philosophy, Christian, church, all faith traditions, inter-faith, spirituality, the subconscious, psychoanalytic themes, mindfulness, contemplative practices, healing, health, both physical and mental, trauma recovery, metaphysical and psychological focused writings, the devotional life, and many other subjects.
Indeed, pretty much any subject matter or theme which benefits from a more abstract graphic image; one which also conveys basic feelings and ideas in an open and experimental manner; would benefit from it’s clarity of communication being enhanced by one of my art images.
If you are looking for something particular, do contact me, because I only display a small amount on the internet and may even be able to create something specific to your needs, or be able to locate something from my extensive archives which meets your need.
To find out more about how you can arrange to use my imagery, see here:
https://www.dacs.org.uk/licensing-works/frequently-asked-questions#FAQ122
Artist’s Statement – Jenny Meehan
Artist Statements are funny things…Mine does change over time and circumstances. Which is in accordance with my priorities and focus at the time of writing. This is no bad thing. Often it is very helpful as the need to critically assess and evaluate my vision and objectives, as well as look back into the past and reflect on how things are evolving is a useful practice which needing to write an artist statement helps. Here is an example of an early artist statement I wrote many years back:
“I have been creating two and three dimensional art since 2005. Art is about exploration. I view mine as a natural and evolving process which is primarily to do with the emotions and spirit, though I do enjoy playing with concepts too. My Christian faith, relationships, and artistic contemplation and production are the main driving forces in my life.
Trees and plants, metal objects, the human figure, and many different types of man- made constructions, are subject matter I favour. I like to explore different styles of expression using a range of media; primarily paint, photography, poetry, metal and paper. The brokenness of human experience fascinates me, but also the potential for growth and renewal. My work has a positive outlook, as I think that it is often through suffering, touched by God’s grace, that the beauty of the human soul is revealed. The idea of strength combined with vulnerability is particularly attractive to me.
My art is a sacramental practice, and the mystery of faith and its reality beyond our human rational mindset is something which interests me. I also see my work as an articulation of fragmentary experience; it’s how I make sense of the world. Alongside my general fine art practice I am interested in liturgical art using a variety of media. Since 2008 I have put most of my creative energies into developing my skills with paint, which I love. Intensely.”
I quite like this one…It gives a gentle overview, which includes a lot about spirituality and faith and the importance inspiration wise of my religious tradition. It’s not very focused on any particular current project of the time…I wanted to keep it very broad and tried to cover a large area with it. Maybe a little too much of an overview I think, looking at it now. However, the purpose is important, and it was written for my website at the time, so in that sense I think it was a pretty well fitting piece of writing.
Lovely West Dean College and West Dean Gardens!

Drawing done in West Dean Gardens
Another one….
Another one!
I will post some photos at some point.
This year I was experimenting with Collagraphs. Very nice medium… Right up my street. I have been working with black a fair bit in my studio tent recently…. experimenting, so the rich black ink was a welcome sight and the textures are always so dynamic in terms of the marks they can make. So it was a delight. Take a look on my instagram to see some of what I produced, though as is always, I have taken home a lot of work to do which will keep me on track in that area for some time. I’m not interested in working large or producing editions…Small unique prints are more interesting and why produce more of the same?
https://www.instagram.com/jamartlondon_jennymeehan/
Shape Open 2019
Very please to be taking part in this year’s Shape Open Exhibition. It’s great my two years of increasing physical disability before a much needed knee replacement proved so fruitful in unexpected ways. Not easy, but to take part in the Shape Open 2019 with my work “What Does this Symbol Say?” feels very appropriate, because the creation of my artwork is intimately connected with my own experience of disability.
https://www.shapearts.org.uk/Blog/shape-open-2019-artists-announced

Inclusive International Symbol of Access Design by Jenny Meehan
Here is the text I submitted:
“My re-design of the International Symbol of
Access is inspired by my own need to rethink
what disability is due to a period of restricted
mobility prior to knee replacement surgery.
Finding myself in need of using an accessible
toilet, for example, helped me to realise how
inappropriate the existing symbol was.
I’d like people viewing the work to add their
thoughts as to what it expresses to them. If the
ISA was to change, this could have a powerful
impact in many societies and open up
dialogue and awareness in a very beneficial
way.
Opportunities to rethink are intimately linked
with with conversation about disability, and art
is a key player in helping peoples awareness
to increase through engaging with new ways
of seeing and experiencing things. In my
view, the focus for progression in all things
needs to encompass a strong sense of moving
forwards and upwards, and this new icon has this. ”
The reason why I think my design is a good option:
It’s got the right angle of what was the seat of the wheelchair and also the round circle which was the wheel. It has the three main elements of the existing wheelchair symbol but rearranged and reinterpreted. Open arms convey welcome and reception of.
My symbol has also the following strengths:
It retains the circle, helping recognition, as society adjusts from the old to the new
It works in both static and mobile situations (ie previous crit of the dynamic wheelchair version)
It suggests refuge (a circle as something which encompasses and surrounds in a protective way)
It suggests entering into…. key for accessibility…the pointed end of the v shape enters into the inside of the circle
It suggests freedom…. The arms (v shape) are outstretched and open. This is freedom for the disabled person
the feeling of this icon is buoyant and expansive…
the small circle and upturned V shape resemble the top half of a person’s body, meaning it still contains the two key elements from the old symbol, a circle and a human body, just in a slightly more open and abstract way.
The whole icon has a sense of outwards and upwards… things are moving forwards.
The whole icon is more inclusive, and shows inclusion visually too… ie the person goes into and comes out of the circle. Helpful when used to signify that facilities are designed around the person.
Facilities are designed around the person, and the symbol is designed with the person, not the wheelchair, being central which is more appropriate.
Unfortunately the process for getting the International Access Symbol changed is probably near impossible, as there are so many bodies and countries and boards which it would need to go through. However, this hasn’t stopped me creating this. It’s making it’s debut into the world in the perfect place.
I designed my inclusive international access symbol in February this year. I later used it to create another different design with a specific emphasis on mental health; “State of the Art”. State of the Art is an emblem with specific personal links to my own psychological and emotional trauma recovery, while “What Does this Symbol Say?” is a symbol design which relates to my experiences of physical disability, though of course the two are related!
I’m looking forward to the private view! Info here (from Shape website):
“Join us for the Private View of the 2019 Shape Open on Thursday 5th September from 6.30 – 8.30pm.
This event will be BSL interpreted.
The exhibition will be available at Nunnery Gallery until 19th September.
The Shape Open 2019 exhibition explores the theme ‘In Circles’ in the context of disability. Disabled and non-disabled artists were invited to submit work for Shape Arts’ seventh annual Open exhibition that ignites debate and discussion on disability from a wide range of viewpoints.
This year’s exhibition theme ‘In Circles’ questions whether progress for disabled artists is being and can be made within the arts, if our work is counterproductive and a circular argument, or if we can shift institutional thinking.
The exhibition showcases work across a wide range of art forms from artists around the world.
The 2019 Shape Open exhibiting artists are:
Tony Allen, Richard Amm, Faith Bebbington, Coreen Bernard, Lizz Brady, Claire Callow, Sam Castell-Ward, Annie Ho Cooper, Daisy Cowley, Nikki Davidson-Bowman, Catriona Faulkner, Alice Rose Floyd, Steven Fraser, CL Gamble, Laura Graham, Michael Gurhy, Steven Hardy, Jack Haslam, Liam Hassan-Beserekumo, Tzipporah Johnston, Elora Kadir, Nihan Karim, Glynis Lamond, Carrie Mason, Campbell Mcconnell, Andrew McPhail, Jenny Meehan, Charlie J. Meyers, Bella Milroy, Aidan Moesby, Steve Musk, Elfrida Osbert, Alice Partington, Beau Rouse, Amna Sharif, Anne Smith, Mark Tamer, Andrea Vicentini, Aminder Virdee, Ophir Yaron, and Chan Chung Yuen.
A winning artist, selected by a small panel including Shape Open Patron, Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA), will be awarded £1,000 at the Private View; a second artist will receive the People’s Choice Award of £250, as voted for by visitors of the exhibition throughout its duration. The People’s Choice Award is kindly supported by Crucial Colour Ltd, part of L&S Printing Co Ltd in Worthing, West Sussex.
Full details can be found here: https://www.shapearts.org.uk/Event/shape-open-2019
Travel Information
Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10am to 5pm
Address: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.”
Last, but not Least… North Pennines AONB Environmental Conservation Organization Subterraneous Exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre
I have my work on show at Bowlees Visitor Centre. The location of the centre is within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty/AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark. It looks like a lovely area. I cannot visit the exhibition but hopefully they will publish online a lot about it soon.
There’s an article here:
https://www.teesdalemercury.co.uk/art-and-leisure/exhibition-celebrates-dales-secret-world-of-bugs
I am very pleased to have my art work in this art exhibition!
My “Ant Parade” surface pattern design is something I was very pleased with and I like my work to be seen and enjoyed by others as much as possible.
Text from the above:
“More than 50 creations are on display in the Subterraneous exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre which continues to September 29 as part of the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Cold-blooded and Spineless project.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project raises awareness of invertebrates and highlights their importance to our environment and our lives.
Subterraneous will uncover the world of invertebrates, largely hidden from view.
The work has involved artists from the North Pennines and further afield.
Furry creatures will invade the exhibition space at Bowlees Visitor Centre and a variety of sculptures, sound and images will emphasise the importance of invertebrate conservation.
Works include ancient fossils in sandstone, vibrant insects made from recycled silk ties and even a sculpture that functions as a soil ecosystem.
There will also be an “infestation chair”, covered in a screen-printed design, celebrating the beauty and complexity of insect life.”
I like the sound of that chair!

ant parade by jenny meehan ©jenny meehan North Pennines AONB Environmental Conservation Organization Subterraneous Exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre
I am pleased to be supporting the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Cold-blooded and Spineless project by exhibiting my work in the Subterraneous exhibition.
Subterraneous is part of an AONB Partnership project.
Cold-blooded and Spineless is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Find out more here:
-
@HeritageFundNOR
And here:
Twitter @NorthPennAONB @northpennwild
Facebook @NorthPenninesAONB
Instagram @northpenninesaonb
My text on Ant Parade
Ant Parade 2019
This small square piece of fabric is an example of one strand of my creative practice which involves experimentation with geometric shapes and patterns. The original form of the ants has been obscured and distorted through my visual interpretation, which I developed in order to emphasise the way ants work together.
Ants live and work together in highly organised societies called colonies. In fact, most ant colonies are so united toward the common purposes of survival, growth, and reproduction that they behave like a single organism, or a “superorganism.”
Pattern is an underlying structure that organises surfaces or structures in a consistent, regular manner. Pattern can be described as a repeating unit of shape or form, but it can also be thought of as the “skeleton” that organises the parts of a composition.
So these little invertebrates, do share a hidden, less obvious skeleton, of sorts. It’s the case in life that often the structures which hold the body together are not obvious at all, and sometimes completely invisible.
Pattern exists in nature as well as in designed objects; it is interesting to look at the parallels between art and nature, also appreciating the less obvious ones. Some formations are obvious and some are not.
An army of ants may well consist of creatures classified as invertebrate, but it’s certainly not spineless! A spinal column gives the body form and function. There’s a hidden spine in this ant parade, which I have interpreted visually in an abstract manner.
About Jenny Meehan British Contemporary Fine Artist and Designer
I am a painter-poet/visual artist, contemplative/poet/writer, art educator, teacher and spiritual mentor (Progressive Christian faith centred) based in East Surrey/South West London, UK.
Support my art working by buying products of my design on Redbubble.com and also of course, original fine paintings, available direct from me!
Geometric and lyrical abstraction from London/Surrey based female British Contemporary Artist.
I’m interested in spirituality (particularly Christ centred spirituality), creativity, emotional and psychological well-being, trauma recovery, and mindfulness.
I exhibit mainly in the UK, and am a member of Kingston Artists’ Open Studios (KAOS).
I have trained both with SPIDIR and through a variety of other training bodies as a spiritual guide/mentor.
I am a trained teacher (PGCE) and hold occasional small groups in developing painting and drawing skills, as well as offering occasional individual tuition.
Contact me via the contact form on my website http://www.jamartlondon.com
If you are less interested in original fine art and paintings, but would like to have something with my imagery on it, then go to:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/JennyMeehan/portfolio
and
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/portfolio
Where you can buy selected art and design.
For the more geometric abstract strand of my art and design:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/JennyMeehan/portfolio has more, and for lyrical abstraction painting-prints I will be putting work up on the other redbubble profile:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/jennyjimjams/portfolio
I gain a small royalty percentage which helps me towards the cost of materials and exhibiting my work. Every little helps.
You can contact me via the contact form on my website jamartlondon.com
Some of my original paintings are available for purchase when no longer required for exhibition, and I am happy to license images of my work via the Designers and Artists Copyright Society (DACS).
All content is © Jenny Meehan.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts of writing and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jenny Meehan with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Images may not be used without permission.
Please note that all images of my artwork are subject to copyright law: All rights reserved. In the first instance, contact me, and I will refer, as/if appropriate.
If you are looking for artwork, particularly abstract, colourist, expressionistic lyrical abstraction type painting images suitable for book covers etc, then do contact me as I might have something to suit which will be quick and easy to license via DACS
https://www.instagram.com/jamartlondon_jennymeehan/