Kitty Jenkins
Profession
MA Fine Art student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Biography
Kitty Jenkins is a second-year MA Fine Art student at Central Saint Martins in London. She previously completed her BA at CSM in 2010 and has continued to develop her artistic practice alongside a career in higher education administration and management. Her work focuses on the representation of the female figure, exploring themes of identity, gender politics and societal norms through painting.
Interview
Why did you choose to study MA Fine Art and why CSM?
I had considered applying to do my MA for a number of years, and the time seemed right to prioritise the development of my practice. I had completed my BA at CSM and was familiar with the ethos of the University. I was particularly drawn to the MA Fine Art course at CSM due to it being a mixed-discipline programme, with students coming from a range of backgrounds. I already specialise in painting, and while wanting to continue my current practice, I was also keen to diversify and try out new ways of working.
The programme is also delivered over two years, which was preferable to a one-year MA and offered the opportunity to balance study and personal development alongside work.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
I'm currently working towards the end-of-year show and am in the middle of developing a piece of work that is a culmination of my practice and research over the last two years. My work addresses representation of the female figure in relation to identity theory, gender politics, and societal ‘norms’, and explores how notions of the feminine, the abject, and the monstrous can be used as a basis for transformation.
It has been interesting to see how elements from the different projects I have worked on over the last year and a half have come together to influence the series of paintings I am in the process of creating.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Make sure to read through the course and unit descriptors, including information on access to workshops and facilities, to ensure the programme meets your expectations and feels like a good fit.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
One of the biggest highlights of my CSM experience so far has been access to the print workshops. I had never previously considered myself a printmaker, but since starting the MA I have fallen in love with print. I have learnt both etching and screen-printing techniques, which have introduced a new method of working into my practice. The print workshop technicians are incredibly helpful and patient.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
I'm not really somebody who thinks in terms of five-year plans, but I hope to be continuing to create and exhibit new work and to be part of a community of artists.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
To be willing to experiment and push the boundaries of your ways of working. The course offers a space to try out new ideas and methods, and it was helpful to learn that not everything has to result in a finished or polished piece. It's okay to let go a bit and try something, even if the result isn't a success.
Learning what did and didn’t work about a piece will often feed into the work you make next.
Links
View more of Kitty’s work on her website
Follow Kitty on Instagram