Jan’s Story
Jan Park is a professional artist with more than 40 years experience. Jan originally trained in textile design and later returned to University to study art. She now divides her time between drawing on her travels and the studio.
“I work mainly out of my studio & gallery in Shropshire, but also when time allows, from my village studio in Portugal”.
My Shropshire base is in the grounds of Jackfield Tile Museum within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage site. Visitors are welcome to visit to view the full range of works available. There is car park and a cafe on site”
Looking back I realise that my art journey began way back when I was a small child. Clutching my pocket money I would stand and stare at the array of pencils, paper etc. on display in the little glass cubes of the Woolworths stationery counter. Little did I know that nothing was ever going to change! Still to this day, I experience great joy when purchasing art materials and stationery!
Art was not supported in the same way as it is today when I was at school, so it wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I went to University to formally train. I studied Textile Design for 4 years followed by a further 4 years studying Art. This was all so inspirational, challenging and incredibly rewarding and fully equipped me for my career in the arts.
My experience of lecturing in the university system and business management has prepared me well for managing the challenges of working full time as an artist.
I am proud of the numerous opportunities I have had to exhibit both in the UK and Europe.
Solo travelling, whilst sometimes challenging, has provided inspiration and diversity in my art and has resulted in numerous opportunities to exhibit both in the uk and Europe.
The emphasis of my work is currently semi abstract but is underpinned by a strong narrative and a commitment to the principals of strong design and drawing. Sketch book studies are extensive prior to beginning a body of work and once I have the clear ‘story’ of the work, I tend to work in a series of pieces for the project.