Jan Smith

jewelry | salt spring island, british columbia

I am inspired by plant forms and seed pods and the patterns on them, botanical illustrations. For me the garden is a place of calm and renewal; allowing a time of meditation and observation.

My training as a printmaker influences my surface approach and use of color; it also allows me to bring a drawing sensibility to my work.  Washes of glass layers allow for experimentation with nuances of color and surface as I interpret ideas.  I work in a series using recurring elements to build layers of meaning into the piece.  Memories and the passage of time are continuing themes within my work.  I am fascinated by the depth of complexity of individual flowers and plant forms and their erotic qualities.  My interests include the symbolism of flowers; the meaning of certain colors and flowers: the seed pods and seeds hold both beauty and mystery.  Within my work these form represent growth, erotica, reproduction; I use the seasons to represent phases within our life.