I studied textiles at Bradford University and much later on, completed a Masters in Fine Art at Staffordshire University. On leaving university, I was involved in setting up a design and print cooperative in Bradford called PINKFISH where I worked for a number of years. I then moved into teaching, and spent 15 years as a lecturer at Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology. In my time I taught Art & Design to predominantly 16-18 year olds, helping prepare them for university or the working world.
I left teaching in 2015 and co-founded Participate. Through this I was able to develop my own practice a lot more. I mainly work with moving image, photography and installation. I have a participatory practice, which means I develop the discussion of ideas through creative workshops involving diverse communities, typically around the themes of migration, culture and the natural world.
‘The Beat of the Butterflies’ Wings’ was a recent project developed by myself and funded by Arts Council England. This installation toured around Shrewsbury, the Birmingham Library and Leicester Prison, addressing ideas of 100 years of British conflict and how we manifest peace.
More locally, I am part of re:collect, a group of artists working with heritage, that worked on ‘An Undertaking’ in Shrewsbury’s St. Chad’s Church. This project was produced in commemoration of the First World War, with a collection of work centred on themes of loss, transformation and remembrance.
My latest development will see me produce audiovisual researches from discussions with coastal inhabitants from the UK, Iceland and New Zealand, in relation to migration, climate and wellbeing.
Contact:
jillimpey.co.uk
jillimpey@hotmail.co.uk
facebook.com/
A Day in the Life of Jill Impey, PCA Studio Artist