Oxmarket are delighted to welcome Janine North to the John Rank Gallery for a 2 week exhibition. From an early age, Jan’s world has been shaped by creativity. With a natural talent for arts and crafts, she has spent over six decades exploring different mediums and techniques, finding joy and expression in each piece she creates.
Her artistic journey has been one of continuous evolution. In 1999, she crafted her first Grandfather Clocks, gifting them to her granddaughters as both beautiful keepsakes and functional tools to help them learn to tell the time. Her charming, hand-sculpted toadstools, designed to withstand the summer months in the garden, reflect her playful creativity and attention to detail.
In 2011, a visit to Western Australia proved to be a pivotal moment in her artistic development. Inspired by the intricate dot paintings and rich storytelling traditions of Indigenous Australian artists, Jan began respectfully incorporating “dreaming” imagery and henna-style patterns into her work, adding depth and cultural influence to her already diverse portfolio.
However, it was in recent years that Jan’s art took on a deeply personal and transformative role. Following the deaths of her father, mother, and daughter, within the space of six years, and while recovering from a stroke in 2019 and learning to live with aphasia, Jan began using art as a means of escape and healing. During a sleepless night, she instinctively began painting with wild abandon, finding peace and emotional release in her creative expression. This moment marked the birth of her "Crazy" series, a powerful collection of 22 Neurographic Art pieces, with more still emerging.
Neurographic Art, developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev in 2014, combines creativity with neuroscience. By drawing fluid, intuitive lines and shapes that mirror the brain's neural pathways, the technique activates neuroplasticity, allowing the mind to form new connections and promoting emotional healing. For Jan, this artistic style became a pathway to self-discovery and well-being.
Her passion for supporting others led her to join SayAphasia, a charity close to her heart, that helps those with communication difficulties. After attending their support group in Chichester, Janine established her own peer-led SayAphasia group on Hayling Island in April. In support of the charity's mission, she has pledged to donate at least 10% of the proceeds from this exhibition to SayAphasia.
Jan’s artistic exploration continues to evolve. Starting with acrylics, she has since embraced oils, inks, and watercolours, always eager to experiment and push creative boundaries. Through her art, she channels her emotions and experiences, finding both solace and joy in the process.
Her motto, proudly displayed on one of her "Crazy" paintings, perfectly captures her spirit:
"Never give up on the things that make you smile."
Jan’s work is not only a testament to her talent but also an inspiring reminder of art’s power to heal, connect, and transform.
