Virginia Jenkins

I have lived in Japan for almost twenty years and in this time my eyes opened. I aim for photographs that capture the energy in objects, be they human-made or natural. Often my pursuits have been to reveal life in lifeless forms, anything that leaves me with a desire to keep looking. After coming to Japan I discovered the concept of Wabi Sabi, which opened up for me a whole new way of seeing. Many of my photographs focus on objects and forms discovered from my travels in Asia.

My first experience with photography was in 1979 when I took a class with Vicki Anne Bennett at The Ohio State University. I have been shooting photographs ever since. I see myself as a collector and a trickster, taking joy in cheating time with the knowledge that the photographs I shoot will outlive me.

At present I teach language arts (literature, composition, and grammar) at several universities in Tokyo. I have a master's degree in education (English and American literature), a professional degree in medical communications, and a bachelor's in literature.)