Her ideas and inspiration remain deeply connected to nature and mythology.
Jennie McCall is a renowned sculptor and illustrator working from the picturesque Midlands countryside, whose award-winning creations have been exhibited across the UK and internationally. Her masterful use of porcelain captures its translucent and pure qualities, evoking mystery and intrigue in striking sculptures that have gained recognition worldwide. Raised in the Scottish Borders, Jennie's artistic vision was shaped by the abundant natural surroundings, local textile industries, and rich folklore traditions of her childhood home.
Early Influences on Jennie's Art
Growing up in the Scottish Borders, Jennie spent her happiest childhood days foraging and collecting flowers and leaves, which she pressed into books for later discovery. These collected treasures now appear as ceramic decals on some of her sculptures. Rare trips to the seaside yielded collections of shells and pebbles that sparked her imagination with visions of mermaids and sea monsters, elements that continue to inspire her work today.
McCall's Distinctive Technique
Jennie developed her ceramic and mixed media practice alongside her professional illustration career, with her inspiration remaining deeply connected to nature and mythology. She skillfully works with stoneware and porcelain clays, often combining them to achieve both strength and translucency. Her sculptures undergo multiple firings with layers of oxides and lustres to enhance detail and achieve desired effects, while some smaller pieces are modeled in wax and cast in bronze to complement her larger works.
Recognition and Notable Collections
Throughout her career, Jennie has received several prestigious accolades including the Design Award for Illustration from the Royal Society of Arts and the Jacobs Memorial Award. Her artwork features in numerous private collections, including those of the Royal Society of Arts, London Post Office Headquarters, Selkirk Glass in Scotland, and Lord David Steel's personal collection. Her commissioned works include illustrations based on British folklore, the textile industry, and traditional nursery rhymes, demonstrating her versatility and distinctive artistic vision.