Jo Denbury

Right from a very young age I spent any spare time drawing, making or writing miniature books which I then illustrated. My uncle was a sculptor and artist and had a big influence on me at that time while growing up in Dorset. I wasn’t encouraged to go to art school so I didn’t. I went to university in Oxford and London, my career began in theatre then moved through film before the magazine world. Throughout that time I continued to paint and sculpt while taking as many classes as I could. I returned to Dorset about 10 years ago and have dedicated myself to painting and sculpture. I have shown in a number of venues and galleries. In my practise I work from live animals allowing my hands – working with clay or wax – to build what I can see with my eyes. It is a form of ‘flow’ whereby I allow my eyes and hands work as one, saving the ‘brain criticism’ for later. I am looking for the essence of the animal not exact replicas. The animals movement, bravery and determination is what inspires me the most.