Trained as an educator and woodblock printmaker, Jen is interested in the process of telling stories through interactive and transformative objects and images. Through their work they have been exploring printmaking, the construction of traditional toys, bookbinding, and creating flipbooks involving stop motion animation. Jen’s work in community arts led to a style shaped by drawing together, in the moment. Over the last decade they have been building a project called Fidoodle, in which Jen designed small interactive objects based on their interest in story building, imagination and the player as storyteller. These objects were produced out of cardboard, fabric, felt, wood and screen printed illustrations.
Fidoodle was a creation and commercial project for artist Jen from 2007 to 2018. Curiousity, story-telling and play were principles which guided the making process. These interactive objects are a way for kids (and grown ups) to explore and be curious about each other, the world, and themselves. All the toys in Fidoodle's line were illustrated, designed and produced by Jen using sustainable materials like wood, cardboard, felt, and organic cotton. They are objects that can pass from one generation to the next and the stories that surround themcan continue to grow. Dreaming up these pieces happened while Jen's kids grew up which made for a rich and creative exploration along with them. Photo shoots were so. much. fun. The following images are an archive of objects and play made throughout these years.
Today Jen continues to work with people to explore visual and oral stories that are closely connected to community and identity .