What are you up to?
I’m just finishing a children’s picture book based on my ‘Love Our Earth’ poster.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes—or a detective. Both require observing the world. As a child, I used to hold mini exhibitions and charge my little brother to view them. I was very shy and timid, so I escaped into art. It was something I could control, and it felt safe. I was mostly bored at school, apart from art. In art, I could escape into my imagination. It’s true: Boredom is good for creativity.
What do you like most about your work?
I find so much pleasure in creativity. I am constantly full of ideas and inspired by books, Instagram, movies, people, nature or just daydreaming. I’m always looking forward to the next book or idea. I love my work and I feel so grateful to be making a living from it.
What inspired you to start creating murals?
I wanted to paint on a large scale and to get out of the house more. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years. It’s a side-line to my books. For the murals, I decided to just focus on nature rather than my children’s book style as I love nature so much and love bringing the outside in. In the future, I would love to travel more with it and cover the world in plants.
What elements of your work do you find challenging?
Being self-employed is hard at times, but I can work around being a mom and keep a good work-life balance. I try and not get caught up in the fear of not getting any work or not being good enough. I also try to not compare myself too much to all the incredible talent on Instagram.
Do you work a lot?
Yes. I have an idea of what I want to achieve within the day, but it’s a rather loose flow. I like working to a deadline and always make sure I keep it. But if I am stressed, I stop and head out into nature. I try to start my day with a little yoga, and l love to be in my garden pottering or reading. Or I like to go into the woods and swim in the river.
Do you want to read more?
- Take a look at Jane’s website.
Interviews Jeannette Jonker Photography provided by the interviewees
