NEIL, Jan

JAN NEIL. I am excited by the use of differing materials with paint, it makes for a visually interesting result and process. My paintings contain collage materials and a heavily painted surface.

The resulting texture gives the viewer a greater opportunity to have an opinion, participate in the work. I have a number of approaches to my current work. I am not interested in painting what I am familiar with. When doing commissions, I’m working to the visual and special requirements of others. This provides an opportunity for thoughts and expressions other than those determined by myself. Another point of view can be very rewarding as we tend to be addictive in our choices, sticking to what we know will work for us – what is safe.

Collage has been an integral part of my practice. Developed while doing Silk Screen printing. It has been adapted to suit my current painting style. As I did in printmaking the first surface colour applied is usually black, on which the collage materials are applied, then the first coat of paint, which almost completely covers the collage materials. As each colour is applied, some of the previous layer shows through, providing surface variation.  Key visual elements of the environment; earth, water, fire and air make up most of the landscape subject matter. Although the paintings are becoming increasingly more abstract and colours mostly fully saturated, the process has remained much the same.

Individuality, is not my aim or motivator – that is as intrinsic to one as their handwriting. My primary response is to colour, texture and what I am personally attracted to. To keep developing and to make imagers that excites me.

The Artist. “The position I am in now is the position from which I intend to move forward”

As an impressionable and creatively expressive fourteen year old, I knew my future lay in art.

Born in Hobart and after completing Graphic Art I knew that the adventures I aspired to would not be in the Apple Isle. So, after finishing at the Hobart Technical College, I left my gorgeous home and parents headed for the mainland… to a position as a Cartographer in the army at Bendigo, Victoria.

For a nineteen year old who painted, listened to classical music, didn’t smoke and responded poorly to orders, I wasn’t having the time of my life. After 3 years and on completion my 3 year term, I married a soldier. Life was good deal better, except never having lived independently, I thought shopping, housekeeping would be fun.

The novelty wore off. I remained in Bendigo until the end of 1980, when I moved to Melbourne,

Where I co – established the Elgin Gallery, in Carlton, a Melbourne inner suburb, where I held regular exhibitions. I moved to Warrandyte in 1984, where I lived opposite the Yarra River, a location that I loved. I observed the seasonal changes along the river, especially spring and autumn, the blossom of the wild fruit trees and the vivid colours of the willows. Both featured in paintings of that time and in subsequent years.  “Reflections” “Autumn Colours” in my current print collection.

Fast forward a few more years, I moved back into the city which has continued to be home for me. Several overseas trips provided new influences for painting subject matter. Giclee Prints were a natural economic option for paintings growing in scale. Used mainly in the corporate area and with the support of a website, it was not long before the prints were being exported, along with originals images. In 2003, a purpose-fitted gallery/studio was established at Clifton Hill. The space, part of an old warehouse, provided a new and exciting venue for interaction between public and artist.