Jane Blackmore is a Wellington-based artist with over 30 years’ experience and 16 years exhibiting with the NZ Art Show. She owns Jane Blackmore Gallery and Studio in Lyall Bay, Wellington.
She invites us into her studio for a chat and a glimpse of what she is working on as she prepares for this year’s show.
How long have you been art-making? And what drew you to art-making?
I’ve been making art for more than 30 years, and I my passion for my artwork has always come from nature. Whether I’m painting flowers, abstractions or landscapes, each painting is all about stopping and being in the moment. I want to capture a timeless quality in my work, something that becomes a meaningful part of your life – something that you engage differently with every time you view it.
My art is like my heartbeat. My reason for being is to create and to connect with people through my artwork – it’s how I make connections and give something beautiful to people.
It’s a very intuitive journey for me. When I tap into something, the creative aspect of that directs me where to go. It’s more like I’m walking hand in hand with the creative energy – and we have a really good relationship!
How, when and why did you get involved with the show? What keeps you coming back each year?
The NZ Art Show has been hand in hand with me along my journey – and I’ve been with the show for 16 years now. It hits all the points that resonate with me – family-focused, ever-changing, diverse, open-minded, business-focused and nurturing.
I remember bringing my first baby along to the New Zealand art show and carrying her in her little car seat while I was showing and talking to clients. It’s always felt very family-oriented, but also very professional – and that’s the perfect mix for me.
What role does the NZ Art Show play in your year and artistic practice?
Family and whanau are super important to me, and so is creating and professionalism – so the synergy between the Art Show and my practice has always been really important to me.
The NZ Art Show weekend is one of my favourite times of the year. It gives me insight into what’s happening in the art world – and a sense of what clients are feeling and where the economy is sitting.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s show?
Every year I love seeing all the hard work that Carla and the team have put into the show. I love engaging with all the people that create and run the show, selling shitloads of work and meeting new clients.
And I always love being able to encourage the new makers. Last year I was a judge for the emerging artists award – it was awesome to be part of the support crew.
The thing about the NZ Art Show every year is that, as an artist, you never quite know what it’s going to offer you until it’s over. And then, when you reflect on it, you see that it’s offered you something completely new and different from the year before.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you right now as you get ready for this year’s show?
I work five days a week regardless of what events are coming up, so things stay as focused and productive as possible.
Between now and the show I’ve got a lot of work to do – although I find it just happens. Five weeks before the show I’ll have a little panic – and then a surge will happen and a body of work will emerge. And I can never actually remember painting it!
What’s motivating and inspiring you right now?
I listen to a lot of loud music, and a lot of New Zealand music. New Zealand music is really inspiring me at the moment – it always has, really. I go and see lots of live bands and then I come back into the studio and channel that energy into making artworks.
The New Zealand landscape is really important to me. I look out the window and see dolphins jumping. I look across from Worser Bay and I see beautiful hills. It’s my constant.
What draws you to oil as your chosen medium?
I love the way oil paint moves and glows. It’s so buttery and forgiving – it constantly fascinates me. And you can use oils in lots of different ways. I’m only using rags to paint a couple of the pieces I’m working on at the moment – no brushes at all.
Without giving too much away – what are you working on right now for the show?
A kick-ass body of work!
How does art help you ‘get lost’?
I don’t get lost – I find myself!
How do you think/hope your art helps your collectors and appreciators to ‘get lost’?
People often experience a connective frequency with my painting. They may not be able to explain it, but it fills something that sits within them.
Sometimes a painting will help people acknowledge something that they potentially need to acknowledge, or work on, or to celebrate. I’m just a vessel helping that bigger picture.
Where to find and follow Jane (when she’s not at the show):
