Jenny Pope is an Edinburgh based artist who makes thoughtful, playful responses to contemporary issues which enable audiences to engage constructively with their emotions, creating space for reflection and positive changes. Jenny uses the materiality of sculptures and found, recycled objects to investigate uncertainty.

Making a difference in the face of the climate emergency

‘Buoyancy in Unprecedented Times’ is her practice research project, centering on activism within her art making. This extends her ongoing commitment to reconsider her practice as a tool to make a difference in the face of the climate emergency.

“I use the metaphors of floating and buoyance as essential strategies for emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty for our future.”

Challenges of living by the sea

In 2023 Jenny Pope was commissioned by Art Walk Porty as part of a Creative Scotland funded residency to create a coracle boat. She had conversations with local people and used their second hand clothes as the boat’s skin. The launch event included swimmers, rowers, singers and canoers and was a celebration of living by the sea whilst acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Floating Fossils

The current project stage is to find partners. “I am engaged in a series of ongoing discussions with several coastal organisations in Scotland to shape local specific projects.
My most recent project involved creating contemporary ‘floating fossils’ out of waste plastic, a commentary on extinction of species, installed above the altar of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh.”

More about Jenny Pope

Jenny Pope has a BA in Ceramics and an MA in Sculpture from Edinburgh College of Art. She exhibits widely in the UK, and is a professional member of Royal British Society of Sculptors. Jenny Pope has worked on Creative Scotland funded residencies and co facilitates ‘Artists as Advocates’, a climate focussed peer learning group.

“I would really value being part of a network of similar focussed people to share, discuss and support our ideas and practice, and enjoy contributing to group processes.”