Artists outside the classroom: A successful collaboration

A photographer & textile artist working in partnership.

Jenny Bone & Kevin McDonagh on location in rural Devon.

Jenny Bone

After a fulfilling career in art education, retiring to Devon seemed like the icing on life's cake.

Dartmoor continues to inspire. It is such a joy to walk out on the moors and explore the ever changing landscape.

I usually take my sketchbook when Kevin carries his camera but use his photographs extensively for inspiration and references I need for my landscape needlefelting.

There is something so satisfying about working in fibre. 'Painting' with felt adds a tactile dimension to the work. I lay down the basic composition with wool rovings onto a felt fabric background. The coloured wools are then needle felted into the fabric either using an embellisher machine or with a small hand tool. Details are added by hand and machine embroidery.

Kevin McDonagh

I have had a keen interest in photography since my early twenties. It is only since moving to Devon four years ago that I have found the time and inspiration to develop this interest. What has inspired me most to take photographs is the Devon landscape.

Since joining the Devon Wildlife Trust as a volunteer, my interests have expanded to wildlife - a form of photography I am still developing.

Being invited to join my colleagues in this exhibition has encouraged me to share some

of the images which I have been inspired to shoot with a wider audience.

HOLWELL ROCKS