Jane Garbett's artistry transcends mere visual expression, delving into a meditative alchemy where colours are not just seen, but felt. In her hands, the mundane is transformed, inviting us to witness the ephemeral beauty of everyday life through a lens of profound sincerity and integrity.
Jane Garbett, born in Shropshire in 1962, pursued an Art Foundation Course at Stroud College, Gloucestershire, in the late 90s, followed by a Fine Art degree at the University of the West of England. During her studies, she faced challenges, balancing family life with her passion for painting, especially in an academic environment that favored conceptual art over painting. Despite feeling isolated in her artistic preferences, Garbett remained dedicated to exploring the qualities of paint, a fascination that has persisted for over two decades.
Garbett's approach to painting is not focused on cathartic self-expression but rather on a nuanced exploration of feelings through her work. She primarily uses oil paints, occasionally incorporating wax or spirit, and has recently shifted towards environmentally friendly water-soluble oils. Her process involves making her own colours, emphasising the alchemical aspect of painting. Garbett's artistic method is characterised by a meditative and harmonious exploration of visual qualities, focusing on the transformation of raw observations into coherent artistic expressions. She embraces accidental elements in her work, seeking a balance between private creation and public presentation.
Her studio in Painswick reflects a commitment to sincerity and integrity in art, unaffected by contemporary art trends. Influences on her work include J.M.W. Turner, Rembrandt, Giorgio Morandi, Cy Twombly, Antoni Tapies, and Anselm Kiefer. Garbett's work invites viewers to engage with abstract art beyond cognitive recognition, encouraging a visceral experience of colours, textures, and forms.
Garbett's artistic inquiry often focuses on landscapes, the effects of weathering on surfaces, and the fleeting traces of everyday life, capturing the ephemeral beauty in the mundane. Her studio is likened to a research laboratory, where she investigates the visual world's aesthetic and material aspects. Through her art, Garbett acts as a guide, revealing the beauty in everyday life and encouraging a deeper receptiveness to the world around us.
