Interview with artist Jane Fairhurst

Three questions about scale in her painting

1. Do you have a preferred size and format to work with?

I don't have a preferred size or format having worked on both large and smaller paintings previously. About 12 months or so ago I decided to work on a smaller scale. Initially I was thinking it would reduce my environmental footprint as I can post work to exhibitions saving on petrol but also on my time.

However, painting at a smaller scale also happened to coincide with my decision to paint images of the interior of my home and the smaller scale worked perfectly with the intimate nature of the work. These small paintings draw you in and invite the viewer to become absorbed in both the image and the materiality of the paint.

2.  What are the main differences you experience when you are making large work versus small paintings.

I work on Canvas, board and panel, often square format, 30 x 30cm or 25 x 30 portrait or landscape. However, I'm not precluding myself from ever working on a larger scale again at any time.

Working on a larger scale allows for more gestural work, more physical, standing at an easel whereas with smaller work I can sit or stand. I think working on a smaller scale can be more intense, immersive with a narrower field of vision.

3. Does the size of the space you work in effect the scale of your work.

Apart from the accumulations gathered over of years of working in the same studio, it is quite spacious so I don't feel it has an effect on the scale of my work at all.

---

Born in Liverpool in 1953, Jane Fairhurst studied for a Diploma in Art and Design at Liverpool Art College in the early 1970’s. She continued as a practicing artist whilst raising her family and working as an artist educator, exhibitor and curator. She gained my MFA with distinction from Liverpool John Moores Art and Design Academy in 2010.

Living and working in Wigan Borough since 1974, in 1999 Jane established Cross Street Arts, a studio group and later a charity supporting artists and where she has her studio. Jane is chair of the group’s Trustees.

Jane received 3D prize at Turnpike Gallery, Leigh 2005 and twice received first prize in Lancashire Art Prize 2005 and 2007. In 2017 she was shortlisted for National Open Art Prize, was a selected artist for Greater Manchester Art Prize 2016 and 2019 and selected for Beep International Painting Prize 2018 and 2022.

Jane was selected for the first Castlefield Gallery/GMCA funded bOlder Artist Development programme for older artists in 2019 and has since exhibited both individually and as part of Ten Obstructions artists’ group.

In a career spanning over forty years, and working across a range of media, Jane has exhibited solo and in mixed exhibitions across the UK and work with art galleries and museums to develop multi-media exhibitions.

Jane is also an alumni of Turps Education, London.

Two of Alison’s paintings, one large, one small, are featured in our November collection ‘Palaces & Playgrounds’.