Jan worked as a nurse and then as a midwife before graduating from Loughborough University in 2002 with a B.A.Hons. in Textile Design. She went on to be a highly selected member of the Crafts Council Next Move Scheme. Since graduating, recognition of her work has become widespread both regionally and nationally. She has been awarded Arts Council England grants and a Crafts Council award and has become a selected member of Design Nation and Design Factory. She works from a studio at home in Nottinghamshire, England.
Jan likes the idea of making something original which begins with just one thread and grows into the visual expression of an idea. The history of weaving inspires her to incorporate vintage yarns into her pieces whilst gives them a contemporary twist with combinations of modern synthetic yarns. She hopes that her work will enrich the lives of those who see it and that the craft of the hand weaver will thrive.
“My inspiration comes from a variety of sources. The ephemeral nature of light and the exploration of multiple imaging through translucent surfaces are recurring themes that influence my hand woven textiles. Soft, shadowy colours encourage the emphasis of surface textural qualities whilst natural and synthetic fibre combinations provide a canvas of an incandescent, dreamlike quality. Each piece is woven on a traditional loom, hand dyed and hand finished. Recent work has become more three dimensional, using yarns and wire to punctuate a series of organic shapes with mark making.”
