Emma Jane

Since studying art at Falmouth in Cornwall in 1987 and going on to complete a BA (Hons) degree in ceramics and fine art at Bath School of Art and Design in 1991, Emma Jane has gained a wealth of experience. She ran her own ceramics studio in Dorset; taught art in both secondary, primary schools and now lectures in fine art at Bournemouth & Poole College. Emma Jane has worked as a freelance artist for mural and display areas as well as for set and costume design. Emma Jane’s work is inspired by the coast and countryside. The beautiful wood she sources determines what and how she creates individual pieces and each piece of art is unique. Each item is lovingly handmade and created using reclaimed wood and paints that other people have thrown away.

Wall hanging, small size, £75 (29 x 20cm)

​Here Emma Jane explains how she creates her artwork:
​"Using eco- friendly materials is a very important part of my process, nothing goes to waste. Everything that has been forgotten or destined for the tip I will try to make use of, reclaim, recycle and re-love.
I am staggered by the volume of waste. A tower block of old discarded paint tins, all containing varying amounts of paint, some hardly even used. A rich rainbow of beautiful colours all waiting for me to stir my creativity, sometimes I get lucky and come home with almost new tins and sometimes it’s slim pickings but I enjoy the thought process of who owned this paint before? Why did they choose this colour? Where was it intended for? Have they given it a second thought since abandoning it at the tip? Would they be interested to know that I found it, took it home, and mixed it with someone else’s paint that were all destined for different adventures, but are now embarking on a new life. For me this an important part of my journey when I am thinking about preserving our environment and reducing our waste.
Scavenging in the wood pile is always inspiring, finding used wood with the most unusual grains, colours and textures that I can re-use and which create new ideas and opportunities for my creativity.
Back at my studio I look through my finds more closely, I rough sand them to remove any dirt and discover the woods unique imperfections. Once I have gained a better understanding of what I have to work with I then set about cutting it into pieces if needed. Whilst keeping as much of the character and individuality as possible, the wood will dictate where it should be cut or what shape this piece was meant to be.
My background colours are then mixed up in small batches and applied to the wood, this is where I decide to leave the best areas free of background colour, thus giving the wood a chance to exhibit its natural beauty and distinctiveness which play an important role within my paintings.
From here I then paint my chosen flora to bring the whole piece alive. Some of my flowers that I paint are simplified to portray their delicate and fragile nature. The bold statement of my sometimes heavy wood pieces trigger the curiosity, but carry a natural beauty because they celebrate our imperfections and differences. During this whole organic process I want to showcase being smart with resources, reducing waste and finding creative and sustainable solutions that bring beauty to our everyday lives and surroundings. My intention is to reflect and encourage an understanding of how vulnerable our world is and that we should cherish and respect our place within it."