The spirituality of Jenkin’s early days in the ministry is at the center of his artistic practice. His renowned Phenomena series seeks to capture the moment, or essence, that exists in the process of creation. The vibrant colours that appear to seep up High Octave are the result of Jenkin’s experimental puddling process that sought to combine the luminosity of his primed white canvases with the intense hues of a specially manufactured acrylic paint, thinned with water to allow the white to glow through. Observing his works from multiple angles, Jenkins would move the puddled areas of paint with a long-handled ivory knife so as to disguise his own hand. Jenkins considered these works a result of inner guidance, attributing the outcome not to his own consciousness but to a spiritual moment.
Titled Phenomena High Octave this work is adorned a musical undertone, with the bright leaves of paint jumping up like a high-pitched staccato notes. The title turns the canvas to sheet music, bringing to light that mysterious quality that links the arts and evoking Jenkin’s life long commitment to spiritual and philosophical study.