83cm x 105cm

Mixed media textiles on canvas

Janis’s artwork has been inspired by her recent artist residency in Provence, France.   She creates her art as a means to connect herself to the space she inhabits, a reference point of memory and time.  Janis’s artwork is full of layers each layer represents moments of observation and reflection of the place she is experiencing.

The backgrounds of these artworks were inspired through observing and sketching the landscapes of Provence; the lines of vineyards, hilltop villages, lavender fields, plots of farmed land, rolling hills full of walking trails and the random shrines found on the roadside.

The next layer is inspired by the details, the patterns and symbols around me.  Wandering the villages and markets of Provence, I wanted to capture its unique features.  I discovered the designs of the wrought iron surrounding the windows, tiles on pathways, the subtle colours of wooden shutters, the rough texture of the walls, provincial fabric designs, the patterns in the trunks of century old trees, poppy fields and the blossoming purple wisteria growing outside my studio window.

Finishing each artwork is a layer of embellishment to emphasis a characteristic of the place which maybe a raised surface, a special colour, a spot of gold or a patterned frame.  I never know how this layer will evolve until I’m there.  For instance, I have used raised machine embroidered lines as my walking trails through the rolling hills and villages.

Janis uses water-based ink blocs and acrylic paint on cotton calico fabric and canvas for her textile backgrounds.  The following layer includes appliqued fabric and paint pens referencing design patterns and symbology of the location.  The final embellished layer includes hand and machine embroidery and in some cases weaving.  An artistic technique referred to as the decorative arts, seen in works by Austrian artists Klimt and Hundertwasser. Some of Janis’s artworks are framed in twisted ratan, creating various organic shapes which can be interwoven to make new sculptured pieces.

These artworks represent my connection to the places I travelled to and lived in for 3 months in 2026.  I was inspired, not only by the beautiful surrounding environment, but also the unique layers of culture that exist simultaneously.  We connect to places in different ways, through how it made us feel, the people we met along the way, and the special memories we hold onto.