Nature provides an artist grand opportunities to connect with living art forms.  I am compelled to capture, preserve, and fuse those images into wax.  I bond with my surroundings on a personal level.  Colors, textures, and shapes allow me to communicate with, and perhaps even speak to another’s memory of a familiar place or experience.

Hiking the scenic trails of the Ozarks inspired this collection. It is a gift that we are surrounded by this spectacular display of nature. From sweeping vistas, cascading waterfalls, verdant valleys, to majestic rock formations, the Ozarks have the power to connect with your soul when you become attuned to its presence.

My focus has been on the cosmos not only because the imagery is new, stunning, or an enjoyable challenge but because of the reflections it evokes. For this series, I used images from the Hubble telescope; the more I see and study, the more in awe I am of the vastness and mystery of the Universe. It is difficult to grasp all that is out there, especially when there is so much strife amongst ourselves on this tiny rock. I know everyone sees the world through a different lens, but aren’t we all really the same?

This grouping of my personal artwork contains pieces from 2003 to 2019. The larger pieces, particularly the paintings on canvas, were created in Springfield. The works on a paper were completed in my studio in New Jersey. As eclectic as the subject matter may seem, there remains a consistency in the color harmonies and intimacy in execution as I get lost in the musculature of the animals and the illusions of space on a two dimensional surface. The unicorns and bulls have been coming out of me over the last year or so, and to me they are relevant to the contemporary conversations happening on social media and in the mainstream; I’m not trying to make commentary art—more like documentary art that reflects the lighter side of society.

My work reveals a passionate exploration of primitive cultures and the interpretive documentation of my artistic journey. Organic forms, colors, and textures define my style and ground my expression. This body of work is called Primal Fusion. It portrays and ancient art form presented in a modern medium; pigment and carving translated in glass powder and frit. The element of fire intrigues and seduces me throughout this exploration in fused glass.

Jane also currently has a handful of limited edition prints on archival paper available now at Obelisk Home.

This show is about the relationship between mother and daughter, the language they share and the ways they speak to their experience through large scale abstract painting. Much like the relationship between mother and daughter, the creative process does not stem from calculations or formulas but by reaching instinctive levels of reaction and response. Informed by their close bond, the painters’ works record a dialog between the two—taking cues from one another, exploring and negotiating their personal journeys. Both artists draw from organic and figurative forms. Donohue’s work includes figures and loosely interpreted coastal and cityscapes, along with classical, harmonic abstract expressionism. Lewis-Smith, whose abstract expressionist perspective both predates and colors her experience of motherhood, ventures here into more movement-oriented themes, like her momentum series and windows and doors. Although creating is not always magical, there is a point of quickening in the process that gives life to a piece. Being sensitive to these moments is magical. This magic is exemplified in the relationship between mother and daughter as they nurture and encourage their distinct journeys, separately and together.

Nothing influences me more than the beauty and mystery of the natural world. I am fortunate to live in the country, surrounded by a spring fed lake and two ponds. These waters have abundantly provided me with inspiration both visually and metaphorically. The ever-changing reflection of the sky, an ephemeral slant of light, an unexpected color, the movements and ripples from the wind. What is on the surface, and just like our subconscious, what lies underneath? I am also drawn to the disorientation of the landscape as it is mirrored in the water, like an entrance to a dreamy parallel world. This body of work is an homage to the sublime. The awe and wonderment of that moment in nature that provides a peaceful and sacramental calm. That moment when we feel included in that wonderment. If I could evoke even just a spark of that in my paintings, it would bring me great joy.

"My goal with each piece I create is that it resonates with the individual and fosters a dialogue. The Resonate Series, all created in 2024, showcases my work with vibrant abstract forms and dynamic colors, creating a compelling tapestry of visual excitement. Resonate suggests that even when faced with uncertainty, there is potential for growth and renewal. This duality enriches the narrative, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences with change and courage." - Bret Neathery

Over the past year or so, my creativity has been put to the test. After dealing with a large amount of adversarial energy, my focus recently has been on happiness; I wanted to paint happiness. To do this, I needed to unplug and plug myself back into life. A restarting if you will. So, I have redirected my thoughts to “connectivity” in personifying these paintings. I’ve intended to create what I refer to as community. Lines may vary, widths may vary, but together they create a harmonious unity. And this I where I have found happiness.