“Much of my work is inspired by the natural geography around me, be it open fields, dramatic coastlines, ancient woodlands or simple structures. The human form also motivates my creativity. It can be the shapes the body makes through the movement of dance, something that exposes an emotion, or simply the natural beauty of the form itself.
My paintings are usually a result of experiences I’ve been a part of, or special moments with which I have felt a connection. Through my paintings and sculpture, I hope the viewer will be stimulated to look into and engage with each piece and, ultimately, just enjoy the process. “I rarely have a plan for a final image. The thrill for me is the path I explore along the way to that final realisation.”
Born in Sidmouth and educated in East Devon, Jan has always had a passion for art. After attending The King’s School in Ottery St Mary, she went on to have a 20-year career in interior design. She began a new journey as an artist in 2009 after completing a Fine Art qualification while living in France.
Bente Kumar
Bente Kumar was born in Denmark and has made Sidmouth her home since 2009. She is a printmaker specialising in screen printing and monoprinting.
Bente’s screen prints capture simple shapes and sharp lines, depicting the beautiful landscapes and coastlines of both her native Denmark and the South West.
Her monoprints are influenced by the exciting ceramics of the late Barbara Lock Hanley and by modern Scandinavian design.
Bente is a member of the Hutchins Group of Printmakers, working in the South West Art SPACE printmaking studio.
Mike Searle
Since retiring from the computer industry, Mike has taken up leatherwork as a hobby. Leatherwork and woodwork are very similar, with key skills including the use of very sharp tools.
All of Mike’s work is hand sewn. Although he specialises in bags, he also makes wallets, watch straps, belts, dog collars and journal covers, but does not undertake harness or saddle work.
Approximately 75% of the patterns he uses are designed by others, but increasingly Mike is designing his own patterns on the computer and using his design skills to enhance or alter pre-existing patterns.
“Leather is a wonderful material to work with. The smell is gorgeous and there are an infinite number of colours and types of leather. However, no two skins are the same and each piece of leather has its own characteristics, making it somewhat challenging to work with.
“I hope you like what I do and please feel free to contact me if you are looking for something bespoke.”
Zan draws much of her inspiration from the beautiful coastline and sea, as well as from her hometown of Exmouth and the Exe Estuary.
She paints mostly in acrylic and particularly enjoys palette-knife work, while also incorporating acrylic inks and mixed media on occasion. The sea provides much of her inspiration in all its different moods, reflected both in her acrylic paintings and her contemporary acrylic ink work.
In addition, Zan creates silk paintings and dyed silk work, as well as feltwork using natural wools and silks
