Jenna's a Poochymama!
Former Bradford College photography student, Jenna Greenwood has scooped first prize in a recent self-portrait competition, Who Are You? staged by the Impressions Gallery.
Her entry, entitled Poochymama, was a huge hit with the judges. You can read their fullsome praise on the Impressions website.
Jenna explained “The idea for the image came about after somebody commented on how I treat the family pet as if she were a baby. Since a young age, I have never had maternal instincts or a desire to raise a family, so I decided to explore my bizarre relationship with my dog further through my tongue-in-cheek photography. My winning entry played with the idea of being a 'Yummy Mummy' but not in the conventional sense to emphasise my motherly love for a puppy and not a spoilt, screaming child! I won a collection of books that are sold by the Impressions Gallery, and a meal at a nearby restaurant, but I am hoping it will generate more interest in my work and what I am about as a photographer.”
Her humour and vibrancy of winning photograph provides a stark contrast with Jenna’s current professional work. Jenna continued, “I am currently working at Pinderfields Hospital as Medical Photographer. This involves photographing operations, ailments, wounds and patients taking part in clinical studies, to aid teaching, medical journals and medical records. I found this job by chance after being made redundant from a busy studio in September '08. In January I am due to undertake a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Photography which will be a lot of hard work, but hopefully worth it in the end!
As far as the future goes, I would love to be more involved in the creative side of photography, with food and self portraiture playing a massive part in what I do day to day.”
Jenna’s former lecturer, the acclaimed photographer, Trevor Griffiths, was delighted to hear of her latest achievement, and said “Jenna studied both BA and HND in Photography at Bradford and continually proved to be both passionate and creative with her work. Jenna’s work often dealt with serious issues in a highly creative, positive and visual striking way. Jenna has the ability through her photography to make her work understood and accessible to a wide audience. This success reflects Jenna’s tenacity, commitment and creativity with her photography.”
Work from Jenna's degree show is still displayed in the photography lecture theatre to inspire currrent students.