ABOUT
Kadira Jennings is a contemporary artist born in Tauranga, New Zealand in 1952. Her artistic journey began at the age of 15 during a summer holiday with her older brother, where she created her first painting of a pine tree.
Growing up in a military family, Jennings experienced frequent relocations, including time spent in England and Blenheim, New Zealand[1]. These diverse environments exposed her to ancient English forests, overgrown Roman ruins and roads, and the rugged landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. These early experiences fostered a lifelong fascination with wilderness and ancient landscapes, inspiring her artistic vision and fuelling her imagination.
Jennings pursued a formal art education at the Elam School of Fine Art in Auckland, New Zealand, where she studied under renowned New Zealand artist Colin McCahon[1]. After a hiatus to raise her family, she relocated to Australia in 1981 and later resumed her artistic pursuits. In Australia, she continued her artistic development under the guidance of several prominent Australian artists, including Judith White, David Andrews, John Morris, Bela Ivanyi and Kristine Ballard.
Currently based in Springfield on the Central Coast of Australia, 80 kilometers north of Sydney, Jennings maintains an active studio practice. Her work primarily falls into three categories: Floralscapes, Landscapes, and more recently, an exploration of the combination of realism and abstraction - the genre known as Abstract Realism. The artist's primary source of inspiration remains the dramatic landscapes and flora and fauna of New Zealand. Regular visits to New Zealand are an integral part of her creative process.
Southern Alps - Near Queenstown NZ
A Road Less Travelled
Jennings' artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of quantum physics and interdimensional energy. She believes in the interconnectedness of all things and approaches her work with a meditative mindset, while emphasizing the importance of her emotional state and consciousness while painting. This unique perspective allows her to create works that aim to be both beautiful and spiritually uplifting.
Throughout her career, Jennings has achieved notable success, with her artworks featured in both public and private collections across America, Britain, New Zealand, and Australia. Her paintings often serve as talismans, connecting viewers to memories, emotions, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Jennings is not only a prolific artist but also an art educator, offering classes to aspiring artists. She is passionate about inspiring others to embark on their own creative journeys and fostering a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.
Nature's Hidden Jewel
A cosy corner in Studio KJ
In her artistic practice, Jennings strives to create a dialogue between the tangible and intangible, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound beauty often overlooked in our fast-paced lives.
In her current series she is focusing on endangered species. Using her work, she brings to our attention the reality of the disappearing flora and fauna in our environments and serves us a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and our connection to the planet.
Kadira Jennings continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of her craft while remaining true to her core inspirations. Through her art, she invites viewers to join her on an artistic journey of self-discovery and exploration of the interconnected physical, spiritual and quantum realms.
