Jan Blake

The common thread that links all of Jan’s work is a fascination with movement and the ambiguity of layers of transient images transformed by light.

The process of drawing immerses her in looking and feeling her way into new work and ideas for the aerial sculptures in public spaces for which she has become well known.

The drawings flow into three dimensions to become objects in air made of painted silk organza held in sculptural shapes made of steel.

The images are constantly changing according to viewpoint and the effects of light.

Jan’s Public Art Commissions over the last 14 years have included aerial sculptures for DEFRA (Department of the environment, farming and rural affairs), corporate headquarters, hospitals and health centres including the recently opened new Bristol Heart Institute; A collaboration with fellow artist Rob Olins).

This commission is part of an art programme that has been short listed for an award ‘best use of art’ with Building Better Healthcare Awards.

Jan trained initially as a specialist art teacher at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, Wilts. and teaching has been an important part of her life both in secondary and further education throughout the country.

She completed a post graduate course in Theatre Design at the Slade School of Fine Art and was latterly awarded an Arts Council bursary for Theatre Design.

Jan is also an Axis artist

For further information and images please go to www.janblake.co.uk

'Life – Boat' at the Bristol Heart Institute,
Photo – Paul Highnams

NEW LEAF – London headquarters of DEFRA (Department of the Environment,Farming and Rural Affairs) 2005. Eleven 4 meter painted silk leaves that indivi