Jane Hunter is an artist based in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Jane’s work has been exhibited in galleries across Scotland and is held in private collections across the world. Having collaborated with a number of clients, her work is held in the permanent collections of the National Museum of Scotland, British Geological Survey, Raasay Distillery, North Ayrshire Council, Renfrewshire Council and KPMG Edinburgh.
My work is greatly influenced by nature, not as something to sit outside of and admire, but as something we are all part of. The physical landscape, geology and tangibility of place, alongside considerations of our sense of belonging, relationships and connection, to our human and non-human communities. I draw on my own personal experiences and feelings, attempting to convey a sense of, and an atmosphere conducive to, contemplation and thoughtfulness.
In earlier years of my practice I was constructing detailed interpretations of topographical or geological maps and diagrams as a way of expressing an alternative perspective of landscape. I approach my current work in a similar way. To me, my paintings are maps of experience, observation and emotion. Documenting; the colours of the landscape, patterns on rocks or on the waters surface, the feeling of warm sun on my face or the icy sea on my skin, the song of the blackbird, recording time through marks on the page. I then bring it all together into an ostensibly abstract image, but an image which actually represents so much.
In the spring of 2024 I began a project to learn about natural dyes and pigments, both foraged and grown. This is a long term project to bring more sustainable materials and processes into my practice, and also to develop my work to serve more directly as a voice for nature.
Jane at her exhibition ‘Confluence’ at Tighnabruaich Gallery 2023
Read more on my projects page.
‘The blue of longing’ (in progress)
Click the image to find out more