Jenny Baker’s journey to starting her own photography business, Creation Arise, and a pop-up gallery in Thrigby for fellow artists, is a testament to the power of resilience and faith. After being forced to step back from her career due to illness, Jenny found herself on a new path that combined her love of the Norfolk landscape, her Christian faith, and a long-held interest in photography. As she reflects on this journey, Jenny says, “As part of my healing, I felt God was showing me where to take the photographs, what could I see, with His eyes.” This newfound perspective allowed her to see the world in a new light, and she began to capture the beauty of creation through her lens. From the patterns and colors on the stones at the beach to the vibrant hues of the autumnal leaves, Jenny’s photography is a reflection of her faith and her connection to the natural world.
As Jenny delved deeper into her photography, she was encouraged by friends and her late mum, Tricia, to launch her business, Creation Arise. The name of the business and the Scripture from Romans 8v19, which speaks of creation eagerly awaiting the return of Christ, were given to her by God, she believes. Jenny’s vision for Creation Arise is not only to showcase her own work but also to create a space for other artists and crafters to share their gifts. With the help of her father, Peter Gillett, and husband, Richard, she opened her family’s barn and gardens in Thrigby to host a monthly pop-up gallery. This welcoming and relaxed setting provides a platform for fellow artists to display and sell their work, and for the community to come together and appreciate the beauty of creation. Jenny’s goal is simple: “I pray that when people see my photography, they are drawn to something that God’s revealing to them about his wonder and his love.”
The pop-up gallery has become a beloved fixture in the community, with fellow artists like Kirk and Karen from K’s Kraft bringing their unique creations to the table. Karen notes that the atmosphere at the gallery is distinct from other craft fairs and events they’ve attended, saying, “Whether we sell stuff or not, we know that we’re just going to have a lovely day and meet lovely people.” This sense of community and camaraderie is at the heart of Creation Arise and the pop-up gallery. Jenny emphasizes that it’s not about making a profit, but about creating a safe environment where artists can come together, encourage one another, and share their talents with the world. As she puts it, “It’s about creating a space for fellow artists and crafters to be visible, to get together, and to encourage one another.” The pop-up gallery is held on the 4th Saturday of every month, and the family also hosts Open Gardens events, which showcase the peaceful surroundings of Thrigby Windmill.
Jenny’s passion for photography is evident in the range of prints and canvases she produces, showcasing the stunning landscapes of East Anglia, particularly Norfolk. From windmills to beaches, and from the Norfolk Broads to forests, Jenny’s lens captures the depth and vibrancy of the local scenery. She deliberately creates smaller items, such as fridge magnets, keyrings, and greetings cards, to ensure that there’s something for every taste and budget. This thoughtful approach reflects Jenny’s commitment to making her art accessible to everyone. As she continues to share her photography with the community, Jenny hopes that it will bring hope, resilience, and beauty to those who see it, even in the face of adversity and fear. Her journey is a testament to the power of faith and creativity to transform and uplift, and her photography is a reflection of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us all.
The pop-up gallery has become a beacon of creativity and community in Thrigby, and Jenny’s vision for Creation Arise continues to inspire and uplift those around her. As she looks to the future, Jenny is excited to see how her business and the pop-up gallery will continue to grow and evolve. With a range of exciting events planned, including Open Gardens and a Christmas Fair, there’s never been a better time to experience the beauty of Creation Arise. Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and welcoming space to explore, the pop-up gallery is a must-visit destination. As Jenny says, “I feel drawn to take landscape photography of the coastline in East Anglia, but mainly Norfolk. I want to capture the beauty of creation and share it with others, to bring hope and joy to those who see it.”
For those interested in learning more about Creation Arise or attending one of the upcoming events, Jenny can be reached at [email protected]. The pop-up gallery’s schedule is as follows: 19th/20th July, 26th July, 23rd August, 27th September, 25th October, and 22nd November, which will feature a Christmas Fair. The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, and visitors are invited to come and experience the beauty of creation for themselves. As Jenny’s journey continues to unfold, it’s clear that her passion for photography, her faith, and her commitment to community will remain at the heart of everything she does. Through Creation Arise and the pop-up gallery, Jenny is sharing her gift with the world, and inspiring others to do the same. As Karen from K’s Kraft so aptly puts it, “It’s not about making lots of money; it’s about creating a safe environment, helping fellow artists and crafters to be visible, to get together, and to encourage one another.” This sense of community and camaraderie is a testament to the power of creativity and faith to bring people together and transform lives.
