Jane Denton Art // Textile Artist // Wellington NZ

Jane’s most in her element when immersed in creating textile art at her studio in Wellington, New Zealand. Her love of color and texture shines through in her contemporary hand-stitched artwork, designed to bring a little bit of happiness to people’s homes. Over the past five years Jane’s work has struck a chord with art lovers across America, who are looking for their own unique, handcrafted piece of New Zealand.

Check out more of her work on her Instagram or website.

1. I began my #CraftWithConscience series as a way to simultaneously promote the work of other makers and to discuss the complicated issues surrounding creative inspiration and developing ones’ own visual vocabulary. The internet is an ever growing fixture in many artist’s lives and businesses, could you talk about the role the internet plays in your artistic and professional life?

The internet has played an integral role in my business. When I first started creating and selling my art I quickly realised how small the New Zealand market is. Being featured on international blogs and social media has enabled me to build an international customer base – something I wouldn’t have been able to do so easily without the internet.

Instagram has been an invaluable tool to connect with other creatives around the world, and also to show work to potential customers – love it!

2. Where do you find inspiration for your work? In what ways has the internet and/or social media impacted your design process?

I’m always noticing colors and patterns in everyday life – unexpected things like the shapes of floor tiles in a bathroom or an amazing display of color in a friend’s garden.

Online I find inspiration through details in photos that other people may not notice – like how a window frame and its shadow create an interesting composition or how a vertical timber panelling detail looks pretty with the plain cupboard next to it.

I’m also interested in color combinations often in fashion or interior images. Sometimes it’s not a conscious thing but when you see a particular color alot - it tends to make its way into your work!

3. Sites like Pinterest and Instagram are popular places for artists’ to share their own work. They also act as public visual archives, often leading to creative work by others that walks the line between ‘inspiration’ and ‘infringement.’ Have you encountered copies of your work online and how does it affect you? What are your strategies for dealing with it?

When I first started out I was very concerned that my work would be copied – and over the years it has been. However, in recent years this doesn’t bother me quite so much - I feel like my business and brand is now established and the risk of someone copying my work and having a significant impact is low.

I guess it’s one of those things that’s out of my control so I try not to worry about it.

4. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creative business people?

I think persistence and a never give up attitude are key for starting your own business. I also think having another job is hugely beneficial when starting out as it takes the pressure off financially. When I’m feeling under pressure I find this can have a negative impact on my creativity.

I also think professional styling and photos are vital and I wish that I’d been able to invest money into this area when I first started. If you have an online store the photos need to represent your work in the best possible way.