Olwyn Jennings is an Irish Artist, Illustrator, a post-primary educator and graduate of BA Joint honours degree in Education and Design from the National College of Art and Design.

 

Her background before entering the world of education involved working as a youth worker which was strongly supported by a strong foundation in Child Psychology, a fundamental part of her studies in Early Years and Childhood Studies (receiving a 1:1 degree from University College Cork in 2017) whilst also working on commissions as an illustrator. Her first book, “Preparing for Birth: Colouring Your Pregnancy Journey”, published by Hammersmith Books in 2017, came about after being discovered by the publisher in the Uillinn Gallery in West Cork. The book is a collaboration between her, the illustrator and the experienced midwife Bridget Sheeran. It received many positive reviews including from BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Scotland and Mother & Baby Magazine. 

 

Since the book’s success Olwyn was inspired and chose to change direction and pursue the joint BA degree in Education and Design (focusing on illustration), graduating in 2023, combining both her passion of art and youth work together. 

 

She is an enthusiastic post primary Art teacher. She loves to teach the tools and skills of Art while instilling confidence in her students. She believes all students of all ages can produce work they can be proud of. 

 

Her Art practice has become primarily digital based but she loves experimenting with all mediums. She enjoys exploring a wide range of themes within her work such as mental health, society structures and also whimsical fun works in her free time. She hopes to produce more editorial and book projects once leaving University alongside teaching. 

 

She currently lives and Works in Dublin, Ireland.