Artist Jenny Marshall has transformed a reclaimed guitar into a storytelling work of art for the Music for the Senses trail, supported by GM Business Growth Hub.
Her design, ‘Buzzin’, is a bold and vibrant tribute that brings together the spirit of Manchester, a commitment to sustainability, and her connection to music. This Q&A explores Jenny’s move from education to full-time artist, her fond memories of Manchester, and the inspiration behind her guitar design.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Jenny?
I’m a fine artist, my main focus is working with salvaged wood, some pieces are over 100 years old. I restore it, respect its character, and use it to create art, sometimes incorporating music, sometimes narrative forms. Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in primary education for nearly 30 years, including as a headteacher and advisor.
How long have you been an artist?
I’ve been working as a full-time artist since 2020, but in truth, I’ve always been an artist. It’s something that’s been a constant alongside other parts of my life. In 2020, just before the pandemic, I stepped away from my work in education and made space to fully focus on my practice.
How did you get involved in the Music for the Senses trail?
I’m part of the Wild in Art network. When I saw the call-out, everything clicked, music, recycled instruments, creativity, community and a love of Manchester. I submitted two designs and was over the moon when both were selected and sponsored.
What was the timeline like for creating your designs?
The process started with discussions between the charity and Wild in Art, followed by an open call for artists outlining the theme, timeline, and templates. I submitted my design and waited while selections were made, and sponsors were confirmed. Once chosen to create two guitars, I had about two weeks to complete them, working on both at once, switching between them as they dried, and using a mix of new and familiar techniques to bring them to life.
How would you describe the creative process behind ‘Buzzin’?
It started with a clear idea but evolved quickly. I originally planned to stencil the bee-like shapes and motifs, but glazing in thin layers gave the colour more richness. I cleaned and polished the chrome parts until they glowed. I even swapped out the guitar strings for white ones to match the graphic equaliser design on the fretboard.
Where did the inspiration come from?
So many places, Manchester’s culture, the Happy Mondays, the bees, and Bez became a kind of mascot in my mind, this joyful, moving figure who represented energy and rhythm. That playfulness is what gave rise to ‘‘Buzzin’.
You also added blue hexagons later—what was the idea there?
Once the sponsors were confirmed, I added blue hexagons to reflect GM Business Growth Hub’s branding. But what’s great is they weren’t just decorative, they tied in naturally with the bees and symbolised industry, growth, community, and progress. I wanted them to be subtle but meaningful.
How did your knowledge of wood influence your approach?
A lot! I know how different woods behave, what finishes they respond to, what they’ll tolerate. In my usual practice, I burn, carve, and heavily manipulate wood, but I held off on the guitars. My familiarity gave me confidence with the surfaces, especially when adapting the designs to their contours and finish.
Let’s talk about sustainability—how is it woven into your work?
Sustainability runs through everything I do, from using reclaimed materials and rainwater to hand-powered tools and natural light. I avoid waste, filter out microplastics, freeze wood instead of using chemicals, and even my paints are moving toward natural pigments and binders.
GM Business Growth Hub has pledged a new sustainability initiative where one tree is planted locally for every 20 scans of your ‘Buzzin’ guitar in the app. How does it feel to know your artwork is helping create a greener Greater Manchester?
I was thrilled to hear about the tree-planting element, it’s so close to my heart. The idea of renewal, of giving real guitars a second life instead of creating something new, feels so meaningful. Guitars are often personal and full of stories, and this project honours that beautifully. Planting a tree for every 20 collections is such a powerful gesture, trees are the lungs of our cities, and we need as many as we can get.
You’ve also got a musical background. Do you play?
I used to play the saxophone, and I dabble with piano and violin, and I can read music. Singing is really where my heart is, I’ve been in choirs, loved musicals, and grew up with music all around me. It runs through the family and my great granddad made violins, and my brother sings professionally.
How do you feel about seeing your guitar in Manchester?
It means so much to have my guitar on display in the heart of Manchester, especially on King Street. Once it’s out there, varnished and glowing, it will really come to life. With family nearby and so many people passing by, it’s lovely to think of it being seen and photographed. I’m also excited to add something fun to the window display, maybe some bees, smiley faces, even a little rave nod. I can’t wait to see it all come together.
You have a background in education. What’s the connection between education and your art?
Everything I did in education was driven by creativity. I was always pushing for play, exploration, and problem-solving especially in early years. If children aren’t allowed to think creatively from the start, we lose their potential. That ethos carries directly into my artistic practice.
And finally, what do you hope people feel when they see ‘Buzzin’?
I hope it reminds people of a place, a song, a feeling. I hope it sparks conversations. And most of all, I hope it celebrates what’s possible when we value creativity, reuse what we have, and pour ourselves into what we love.
You can find out more about Jenny's work on her website here: https://jennymarshallarts.com
If you're ready to rock and stroll, download the Music For The Senses app and track down all the guitars, including 'Buzzin' here: https://musicforthesenses.co.uk/app
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