SUPERMODEL turned photographer Jill Kennington has a new exhibition of photography opening on Saturday in the Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre. Exhibitions assistant Megan Dunford talks to Jill about her work and how she came to be a photographer.

How would you describe your work?

Strong and sensitive.

Have you always had an interest in visual arts?

I have been aware of light both on land and on the face so image has always interested me.

Who or what are you inspired and influenced by?

Free Spirit.

Do you have an artist you particularly admire dead or alive?

Ansel Adams and Irving Penn portraits What challenges do you encounter when creating work and how do you deal with them?

The biggest challenge is weather and light. Being very patient or going back another time may have to happen.

What are the main themes of this exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre?

I am showing a display of what I have done and the developments in my photography.

Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting that you can tell us about?

Yes, an idea is brewing around the idea of women.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Keep doing what you are doing.

Who gave you that advice?

A very talented printer.

What advice would you give to others wanting to be artists?

If you are driven and have passion you don’t have a choice when your guts are in it – be prepared for lean times.

If you weren’t an artist what do you think you would be doing instead?

Writing, painting and cooking.

If you could live in any period of history anywhere in the world, what and where would it be?

Pioneering times, discovering and photographing landscapes and peoples, ie American Indians circa 1930s. Now is a different time, but inspiring.