The unfinished Chthulucene must collect up the trash of the Anthropocene, the exterminism of the Capitalocene, and chipping and shredding and layering like a mad gardener, make a much hotter compost pile for still possible pasts, presents, and futures.
– Donna J. Haraway, Staying with the Trouble, Making Kin in the Chthulucene, p57
Jessica Rost: Maker of extraordinary things
Jessica is a sculptor, director, maker, writer and a performance artist. She is interested in ecology, animality and environmental issues, and mostly lives off-grid.
She works in metal and mixed media -welding, carving, assemblages, film, sound and textiles- creating installation, alternative living structures, sculpture, public art, unique costumes, spoken word, large puppets, art bikes and structures – much of which involves natural or recycled materials.
At the moment Jessica is considering low impact practices, looking at permaculture design principles, and is exploring new ways of working through what she calls in her recent dissertation, a Perma-art practice. She has recently completed a foundation course in Medical Herbalism at Heartwood.
She is also a freelance producer and director; programming, devising and directing for street theatre, outdoor spectacles, happenings, and events; creating and touring her own work as well as working in collaboration with other artists and organisations.
New Developments:
Jessica was recently accepted as a Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors (MRSS).
She was a recipient of the 2021 Yorkshire Sculpture Park Graduate Award and undertook a residency at YSP in September/October 2022.
In 2020/21 she completed a full time MFA at University of Leeds and was awarded a distinction. You can explore her MFA work here.
Since the MFA Jessica has been Creative Caretaker at Wild Rumpus where she is in residence and has a studio workshop.
In July 2018 she was awarded Arts Council funding to develop her practice, as well as an Arts Bursary from MK Community Foundation to purchase tools and equipment. After 6 months of research, mentoring and studio time, she launched the new company, Rost Productions Ltd, in January 2019.
Rost Productions is a collaboration of Associate Artists; performers, makers, musicians, techies and others -under the Artistic Direction of Jessica Rost. You can follow the company, as well as Jessica’s practice, see what’s coming and find out more by signing up to the newsletter.
And you can learn more about current productions and the latest news here.
Previous work:
Jessica was the Artistic Director and a maker at Festive Road CIC, 2008-2018, where she produced sculpture, street theatre and large scale puppetry, mainly for the outdoor arts. And as Artistic Director of Milton Keynes Festival Fringe 2012-2017, she produced and curated a dynamic, annual multi-disciplinary festival. She is still an active supporter of the MK Fringe, and now serves as Chair of the Board.
“I first worked with Jessica in 2010 on her Festive Road project for the Cultural Olympiad, this was when I was Creative Programmer for London 2012. She designed and led an excellent and inclusive piece of work which well-deserved its Cultural Olympiad status. It playfully examined the UK’s relationship with tea and as such, was open and welcoming to many different communities. The carnival costumes of willow patterned cups, saucers and teapots were expertly executed and very beautiful; they really captured the imagination. After the Games, our paths crossed on a number of occasions, most recently in the process of creating Milton Keynes’ bid to become European Capital of Culture. During this time I had the good fortune to visit the Festive Road Creation Centre which was very much led by Jessica’s drive, creativity and vision. The centre was like a treasure chest of extraordinary beings, all emerging from her wonderful imagination and her commitment to up-cycling and recycling. It was tremendous for me to see how Jessica grew what was originally a very small company back in 2010 into such a successful creative practice that was truly unique in the UK.”
Caterina Loriggio, Creative Director and Cultural Strategist, Apr 2018
Rost Productions Ltd. is a not for profit company, limited by guarantee.
Company number: 11780845