Our third artist in this series is painter, Jane Kellahan, a new resident of Martinborough. Welcome to Martinborough Jane, Greytown’s loss is our gain.
Jane grew up on a farm in Ohariu Valley, Wellington and has been painting since 1995. Largely self taught, she attended courses at Central St Martins and Camberwell College of Arts in London.
Her medium is oil on canvas, wood and paper and prefers large works as they are less restricting and enables her to create more powerful images.
Her works are not a quick glance and walk on – they need to be studied in depth to absorb all detail and aspects of the painting. There is a luminous quality that is quite stunning. You could view her paintings for a long time and still find new depths and qualities.
Her list of achievements is impressive indeed (view them on her website).
2001 saw Jane’s work selected for the Royal Academy of Arts in London. In 2005, the Florence Biennale, Italy. 2009 she won the prestigious trans-Tasman Cricket Art Prize in Australia (was also a finalist in 2011) and also in 2011 was selected to represent New Zealand at the Biennale of Chianciano in Italy – an exhibition of 160 artists worldwide. A marvellous achievement in itself but more so when she was placed third in the Leonardo Prize, Works on Paper category.
This year Jane has been invited to exhibit at the Salon des Artistes Indépendants, Grand Palais in Paris, France.
The comment on her work from Peter Gagliadi, Curator of Biennale of Chianciano was “An excellent and breathtaking painting. The composition soft whilst the light captured is strong and powerful. This painting is definitely a Museum piece. A stimulating work that provokes contemplation.”
This comment sums up Jane’s paintings. Her latest series “Land of the Peacock” which was recently exhibited at the Carterton Events Centre and Parnell Gallery, Auckland, has an amazing variety from vibrant, rich colours to black and white – pieces that stimulate your powers of perception.
Jane is Curator of Visual Arts for the Greytown Arts Festival to be held 18 – 22 October 2012. She is currently seeking artists for this event.
To help promote and benefit all Martinborough artists, and make it easier for artist networking, Jane would like to hear from you. This includes all mediums ie, painters, sculptors, jewellers, musicians etc.
You need to view her website www.janekellahan.co.nz to understand the talent of this artist.
Jane runs painting workshops for any level with amazing results. She also designs wine labels and promotional advertising for vineyards as well as being passionate about wedding design.
If you wish to make an appointment to view her works or discuss design, her mobile is 021 702 101 or email art@janekellahan.co.nz
Gay Reed
