She observes the deep, melancholic transformation incorporating subtle shifts of light and weather, the rhythm of the tides and turning of the seasons...
Jane Hunter SSA VAS is a Scottish artist whose work explores the intricate connections between humans and the natural world. Creating pieces that function as visual records of experience and emotion, she invites viewers to contemplate their own relationship with nature and place.
Artistic Philosophy
At the heart of Jane's practice is a recognition that nature is not something to be admired from a distance, but rather an entity we are intrinsically part of. Her work examines the physical landscape, geology, and tangibility of place, alongside deeper considerations of belonging and connection to both human and non-human communities. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, she creates contemplative spaces within her art that encourage thoughtful engagement with our environment.
Jane Hunter's Creative Evolution
Jane's artistic journey began in commercial design, establishing a business with her partner in 2012 creating textile-based homewares. These designs caught the attention of a gallery, leading to her first solo exhibition the following year and launching her fine art career. Her early works featured detailed interpretations of topographical and geological maps, offering alternative perspectives on landscape.
Current Practice and Process
Since relocating to the Isle of Bute in 2022, Jane's work has undergone a significant transformation. Moving away from urban themes, she now explores the subtle rhythms of island life—shifting light, changing weather, tidal patterns, and seasonal transitions—all influenced by her deepening connection to the local community.
Technique and Methodology
Jane's distinctive process involves staining canvas or paper with pools of diluted pigment, manipulating the surface by pulling and tilting to create organic forms. She builds layers of translucent color that intersect and interact, allowing each layer to dry completely before considering the next. This slow, thoughtful approach results in expressive marks and patterns that record movements and the passage of time. While appearing abstract, her paintings function as maps of experience, observation, and emotion—documenting the colors of landscapes, patterns on rocks or water surfaces, and sensory experiences.
Sustainability and Future Directions
In spring 2024, Jane Hunter began exploring natural dyes and pigments, both foraged and grown. This long-term project aims to incorporate more sustainable materials and processes into her practice while developing her work to serve more directly as a voice for nature conservation.
Recognition and Collections
Jane's work has gained significant recognition, with pieces held in prestigious permanent collections including the National Museum of Scotland, British Geological Survey, Raasay Distillery, North Ayrshire Council, Renfrewshire Council, and KPMG Edinburgh. As an elected professional member of both the Scottish Society of Artists and Visual Arts Scotland, she has exhibited widely across Scotland, with her work finding homes in private collections internationally.