Jan Bowman
- Work
- Biography
Weaver Jan Bowman endeavours to break the boundaries of hand loom weaving in creating spatial divides, panels and sculptural pieces which challenge the conventional limits of her discipline technically and conceptual; sculpting traditionally woven metal fabrics into contemporary 3D forms.
Natural and manmade materials are used, including willow, reed, paper, braids, monofilament, enameled copper, silk, cotton, linen, seaweed and driftwood. The inherent qualities of individual materials are explored alongside the complexities of using such a variance of materials together.
The works interpret colour, form and texture inherent in landscape and seascape; exploring rhythms in nature, play of light and shadow, sequences of growth, tides, seasonal change and murmurations of birds. All the works are deeply rooted in an emotional response to both the subject matter and materials.
Further influences are aspects of traditional Japanese aesthetic: the Japanese appreciation and interpretation of nature; material and textual sensitivity as witnessed in Buddhist buildings and gardens which celebrate the use of unadorned materials; the concept of ‘ma’, a space, or an Interval, providing room to ‘breathe’.
Bowman’s current research explores the possibilities of heightening people’s sense of ‘well-being’ through the integration of textile artwork within public spaces. A major consideration is how textiles respond to and meet the physical and emotional needs of people within a space. Her woven works attempt to bring recognition of the original natural source, in so doing attempting to harness something of the ‘healing energy of nature’.
Natural and manmade materials are used, including willow, reed, paper, braids, monofilament, enameled copper, silk, cotton, linen, seaweed and driftwood. The inherent qualities of individual materials are explored alongside the complexities of using such a variance of materials together.
The works interpret colour, form and texture inherent in landscape and seascape; exploring rhythms in nature, play of light and shadow, sequences of growth, tides, seasonal change and murmurations of birds. All the works are deeply rooted in an emotional response to both the subject matter and materials.
Further influences are aspects of traditional Japanese aesthetic: the Japanese appreciation and interpretation of nature; material and textual sensitivity as witnessed in Buddhist buildings and gardens which celebrate the use of unadorned materials; the concept of ‘ma’, a space, or an Interval, providing room to ‘breathe’.
Bowman’s current research explores the possibilities of heightening people’s sense of ‘well-being’ through the integration of textile artwork within public spaces. A major consideration is how textiles respond to and meet the physical and emotional needs of people within a space. Her woven works attempt to bring recognition of the original natural source, in so doing attempting to harness something of the ‘healing energy of nature’.
Commercial Practice
Jan background is as a commercial textile design consultant working in fashion, interior and automotive fabrics for home and international markets.
Teaching
Taught on BA Honours and MA Textiles Design and Innovation Course Loughborough University
School of the Arts, 1982 to 2017.
Public Art Commissions:
Orie Ltd, Interior Designers: Tokyo, Japan; 2012 to 2017.
Healthcare: Worsborough Centre: Worsborough, Barnsley, Yorkshire: 2013.
Tokyo New Hospital: 2012; Matsudo City, Chiba, Japan.
Aston Universities Business School: Birmingham: 2011.
Neo-Natal Ward at the Queens Hospital: Burton upon Trent: 2007.
Arts in Business: Geldards Law Firm: Nottingham; 2007.
Dewsbury Health Centre: Yorkshire: 2005/6.
Ravensthorpe Health Centre: Yorkshire: 2005/6.
The Brain Injuries Unit Musgrave Park Hospital Belfast: 2006.
‘Living Paintings Garden’ Chelsea Flower Show: 2004.
Exhibitions:
Design Nation ‘Our Journey’ the NCCD Sleaford 2022
Collect 2022 with Design Nation at Somerset House London
‘Mind &Body ‘exhibition NCCD Sleaford 2019/2020
‘Breaking the Boundaries solo exhibition Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster 2019
Crafts Council Collect Open 2019 Saatchi Gallery London
Be Gallery Kyoto Japan 2017
Exhibition Telemark University Notodden Norway 2012
Kunsthal Charlottenborg Copenhagen 2011
East-West Group exhibition, La Galleria London 2011
‘Making Moves’. Touring exhibition starting at Stafford University 2008
‘Well Threads’. Group exhibition at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Upon Tyne 2008
‘Art at the Arc’ Exhibition ‘The Arc’ Geldards, Commercial Law Firm Nottingham 2006-2007
Jan background is as a commercial textile design consultant working in fashion, interior and automotive fabrics for home and international markets.
Teaching
Taught on BA Honours and MA Textiles Design and Innovation Course Loughborough University
School of the Arts, 1982 to 2017.
Public Art Commissions:
Orie Ltd, Interior Designers: Tokyo, Japan; 2012 to 2017.
Healthcare: Worsborough Centre: Worsborough, Barnsley, Yorkshire: 2013.
Tokyo New Hospital: 2012; Matsudo City, Chiba, Japan.
Aston Universities Business School: Birmingham: 2011.
Neo-Natal Ward at the Queens Hospital: Burton upon Trent: 2007.
Arts in Business: Geldards Law Firm: Nottingham; 2007.
Dewsbury Health Centre: Yorkshire: 2005/6.
Ravensthorpe Health Centre: Yorkshire: 2005/6.
The Brain Injuries Unit Musgrave Park Hospital Belfast: 2006.
‘Living Paintings Garden’ Chelsea Flower Show: 2004.
Exhibitions:
Design Nation ‘Our Journey’ the NCCD Sleaford 2022
Collect 2022 with Design Nation at Somerset House London
‘Mind &Body ‘exhibition NCCD Sleaford 2019/2020
‘Breaking the Boundaries solo exhibition Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster 2019
Crafts Council Collect Open 2019 Saatchi Gallery London
Be Gallery Kyoto Japan 2017
Exhibition Telemark University Notodden Norway 2012
Kunsthal Charlottenborg Copenhagen 2011
East-West Group exhibition, La Galleria London 2011
‘Making Moves’. Touring exhibition starting at Stafford University 2008
‘Well Threads’. Group exhibition at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Upon Tyne 2008
‘Art at the Arc’ Exhibition ‘The Arc’ Geldards, Commercial Law Firm Nottingham 2006-2007
- Jan Bowman
- 'Implanted Hope'
- Woven
- Jan Bowman
- 'Murmuration'
- Woven
- Jan Bowman
- 'Pods'
- Woven
- Jan Bowman
- 'Oriental Dawn'
- Woven
- Jan Bowman
- Centre Piece Chelsea Flower Show
- Woven
- Jan Bowman
- 'Daybreak'
- Woven
SHARE THIS PAGE