About
Name/age
Jane Reid, 49
What medium(s) do you work in?
Mainly in oils these days, but also acrylic and watercolour.
Tell us about yourself in 50 words or less.
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t either crafting or creating art - it is not an obsession as such, but an impulse, an instinct to create. I work part time as a teacher (mainly teaching art) and have 3 teens still at home so paint whenever I can. I am loving the artistic journey I am on currently, capturing quiet little moments of beauty in the everyday.
Who is your favourite artist (living or deceased!)?
There are so many! Fidelia Bridges, Susan Ogilvy, Alpay Efe, fellow Arts Canterbury members (so very inspiring!), the list goes on.
What were your reasons for joining Arts Canterbury?
I joined Arts Canterbury in 2021 thinking I might meet some other artists and get a sense of ‘where to from here.' I couldn’t have imagined how important AC would be for me as I learned to navigate exhibitions, gain momentum and make friends with some of the most wonderful genuine people around.
What are three goals for your art this year?
1. To follow the thread of my current inspiration to see where it will take me
2. To find more time for crafting (such an undervalued art form!)
3. To keep experimenting and doing difficult things to grow my skill
Describe your favourite piece of art you have created – and why it’s your favourite.
I don’t really have a favourite as such, but ‘Grandson of the Harbourmaster’ holds a special place for me. It is based on a photograph of my father, and I painted it during the first lockdown period. I had not painted on such a large canvas, created such a detailed portrait or painted the sea previously, but I had so much fun painting it (I had to pause and dance about on occasion). It won the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Kaiapoi Art Expo, my first exhibition, and it reminds me to be fearless and to find joy in the mahi.
Anything else you want to tell us - funny story, about yourself or your art?
I know it’s a while ago, but am I the only one who, when lockdown was announced, went out and bought as many art supplies as I could cram into my car (who needs to eat when you have years of pent up art and craft projects to get on with!).
