Jayne Curle

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

A few years ago I had to tell my acrylics "It's me, not you" and my torrid affair with oils blossomed into a stable marriage. The mere aroma of oils transports me to a happy place as a child. It triggers memories of the contentment I'd witness in my Mother on the rare occasions she's make time for herself to paint. <p>Of course, there are also technical reasons I've switched to oils. Once my patience agreed a cease-fire with their slow as a week in the jail drying properties, their buttery blending capabilities and colour matching prowess firmly secured a place in my heart.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

I have no intentional process in the first stage. These concepts organically come into being whilst I'm in the flow of life. Most appear upon either waking, driving or some other activity where my brain is incubating behind the scenes. Enduring themes I hold important in my work allow me to assess if this initial concept can be taken to a body of 10 or more works and not just one painting.<p> If I feel agitated, excited and urgent I can tell it's a useful concept and the process begins. I use my own manipulated photography as a loose reference. There's something about the connection one has with it. It translates better onto the canvas. The memory of the mood on the day, the noise, the temperature, the energy of those around you. It feels like your own because it is. It's your snapshot of a point in time. Although the visual concept can be different from series to series, for example silhouetted people v huge vintage toys, the underlying themes of compassion, contrast, nostalgia and the need for change persist throughout. The statement for each individual work evolves during the painting process and is finalised on completion. These can be of a story telling nature or more informative dependant on the series.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I'm so grateful to have a beautiful light filled studio at home and very excited to be currently converting our garage as a larger space to work in. Plants, Zoomer the dog, good coffee and ear buds for music, Audible books and podcasts are all essential for a productive working environment. I also love to support other artists and have a few gems scattered around to look at when I'm gathering my thoughts.