Beauty cannot exist without the grotesque, life without death, beginnings without endings. The mixed media assemblage sculptures of Jenn Collins, Hygienic Arts Cooperative resident artist, delights in the necessary coexistence of conflicting aesthetics through the symbolism imbued in objects. Narrative and often witty, Collins’ work weaves an imaginative and complex web of symbols to be interpreted by an engaged viewer.

Ms. Collins, one of the original resident artists at the Hygienic Arts Cooperative in New London, CT, since January 2000, makes art pieces from found objects collected from antique stores, flea markets, friends, and nature. Collins concentrates on themes of dichotomy and narrative in her three dimensional collages. Collins received her B.F.A. with Honours from Connecticut College in 1998 with a double major in Art and Art History and a minor in Medieval Studies. Additionally, she studied at Oxford University, Keble College, England.

Collins was leader in the sculpture renovation process for the Garde Arts Center restoration project from 1998-2001, and is still employed there. She currently works as a restoration carpenter for Paul McMasters Eighteenth Century Restoration Carpentry in downtown New London. She teaches sculpture through the Garde Institute for Creativity for adults and children. As a professional mixed media assemblage sculptor, she participates in art exhibits regionally and is involved with the Hygienic Art Gallery programming committee designing programs and curating shows.