Norwich artist braves the critics on BBC’s Show me the Monet

Jacqui Jones, from Eaton, will feature on BBC2 series Show me the Monet, where artists from across the UK try to convince a panel of the art world's toughest critics that their work is worthy of a place in the show's grand exhibition and sale at the Mall Galleries.

Her work is a figurative sculpture called A Bag For Life, depicting a small embryonic figure made from water-soluble plastic, containing granules of rice.

It was made as a result of a research project with bioplastics at the University of East Anglia, and is intended to reflect society's reliance on plastic and its environmental consequences.

The piece was chosen from more than 3,000 submissions to make it through to the 'Hanging Committee' stage of the programme, to be judged by the panel of experts comprising Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton.

The artist, who graduated from the Norwich University of Creative Arts in 2008, said: 'You show your work to quite renowned art critics, who have a reputation for being quite harsh with their comments.

'The recording was quite difficult from an artist's point of view, but as an artist it is something you need to get used to. My piece is quite unconventional and I did find their comments absolutely fascinating.

'It took quite a bit of courage to get involved in the programme, but I'm glad I did.

'It is some achievement in itself to be selected from 3,000 submissions. It does raise your profile, and the profile of environmental art in general. Everything I do is about the environment and how we connect with the natural world.'

The programme is hosted by former BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and filmed at Eltham Palace, home to the Tudor Court, where hopeful artists present their paintings, sculptures and photography to the Hanging Committee.

lTo see if Jacqui's sculpture is selected for the exhibition, see Monday's episode of Show me the Monet at 3pm on BBC2.