Silk paintings by Rickmansworth artist on show at The Newton Price Centre
4:41pm Thursday 1st May 2008
Having experimented with a variety of media - wood carving, acrylics and glass engraving - Jane Harrison finally decided to follow the silk route.
Jane, 52, who is putting on a one-woman silk painting exhibition at the Newton Price Gallery in Watford next month, was drawn into the fascinating world of silk about five years ago.
She says: "Its appeal is its versatility. The vibrant colours can be contained in the most detailed design, or they can run wild in the abstract. I gain my inspiration from my surroundings and the challenge of transforming my vision on to the silk. The greatest beauty of this medium is its unpredictability."
The mother-of-one, who lives in Rickmansworth, specialises in paintings - which are professionally stretched on frames - as well as ties, scarves and hairbands. She regularly exhibits her work at craft fairs and local galleries. A member of the Guild of Silk Painters and Watford Area Arts Forum (WAAF) Jane has also shown her work at the Camden Arts Festival, Willesden Green Library Centre and the newly launched Northwood Craft Market.
She says while silk painting is a rewarding medium, it is not always easy to reproduce an idea.
"If I'm doing something very detailed I use this glue called gutta to create an outline and stop the colours from seeping into one another. I'll sketch the picture first, but you can't use a pencil as it would mark the silk so I have to use a special pen.
"This technique is great for putting intricate details into my work, whether it's a kids' cartoon, a bird or a leaf that I'm working on.
Jane's work ranges from still lives and portraiture to more abstract images and designs for ties and headbands. The most notable recipients of her ties are Sir Richard Branson and the late Richard Whiteley of Countdown fame.
Her show will feature about 20 different examples of work including smaller items mounted in 3D frames as well as landscapes and more abstract works.
"I like looking at abstract paintings and in my own work they give me the opportunity to go wild. If you drop salt on silk it gives these amazing effects like crystals on a window. I've got to the stage where I know the colours that go together such as gold, yellow and orange or blues and greens with just a splash of red in it.
"The colours on silk are so vibrant they really speak for themselves. I veer towards the abstract as you're not as restricted. I prefer it when I'm not hidebound and can just do whatever I like."
Jane, who survived breast cancer 14 years ago, also works part-time on the Ealing Gazette in West London where she focuses on campaigns and arts and entertainment. She says: "I feel like I have the best of both worlds, being creative in writing and painting. I was torn between art and journalism at school and now I have the chance to do both, not least because I have a very supportive husband."
The exhibition is at the Newton Price Gallery, Grosvenor Road, Watford from May 6 to 25. Monday to Wednesday 6pm to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 3pm to 5pm.