Wellington-based designer Jane Denton specialises in unique textile art. Her beautiful work has a delicate quality yet at the same time there is depth and texture created by the use of wool. Although contemporary, the simplicity of the artworks mean that they look amazing in any style interior. I wanted to find out more so I asked Jane a few questions...
Are you originally from Wellington? What do you enjoy most about living there?
Yes I grew up in Wellington. I thinks it’s a fun city to live in, there’s always lots going on, there’s a good energy and people are down to earth and friendly.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to textile art and design?
In my early twenties I made jewellery that was so popular with my friends it became my first business.
Later, after living in Australia we came back to NZ and bought our first home. I couldn’t find any art in our price range that I loved so I set out to make some. I set up a space to create something myself but at the time I didn’t actually know what I was going to make. I’d originally thought I would design some patterns on the computer and print them, but it didn’t feel like enough, the pictures were too “flat”. I wanted more texture and a point of difference with my work.
One day I found some old wool I’d kept from years before from a Jennifer Pudney cross stitch kit and I absolutely loved the colours. Around the same time I was driving through Wellington (down Vivian Street) and saw a wire fence where people had wound wool around parts of the fence in different shapes. And I guess that’s where it all began. I came home, got the wool out and started stitching onto linen, the same long stitches I’d just seen on the fence.
Again they were very popular with my friends at first and it quickly grew from there.
You are passionate about colour but we're seeing more of a neutral palette in your recent pieces. Can you tell us about the direction of your new work?
I still absolutely love bolder colours and making a statement but I’ve become increasingly drawn to a softer, more neutral palette. As a creative person you’re always wanting to move out of your comfort zone, and moving into a new colour palette introduces a new set of challenges for me which I really enjoy. It’s been exciting to move away from stronger colours and take things even further in terms of simplicity - when things are simple the design really has to work! I’ll definitely be back working with brighter colours in the future but for now I’m loving the lightness and prettiness of a more pale, subtle palette.
Do you have a favourite artwork from your current range?
Yes! I’m really excited about ‘X’ (a white X on white), I’ve tried to achieve a woven affect with the wool. I love its subtlety, and the feeling of softness created by the white merino wool on white canvas. I think the simplicity of this piece is quite beautiful.
I still absolutely love bolder colours and making a statement but I’ve become increasingly drawn to a softer, more neutral palette. As a creative person you’re always wanting to move out of your comfort zone, and moving into a new colour palette introduces a new set of challenges for me which I really enjoy. It’s been exciting to move away from stronger colours and take things even further in terms of simplicity - when things are simple the design really has to work! I’ll definitely be back working with brighter colours in the future but for now I’m loving the lightness and prettiness of a more pale, subtle palette.
Do you have a favourite artwork from your current range?
Yes! I’m really excited about ‘X’ (a white X on white), I’ve tried to achieve a woven affect with the wool. I love its subtlety, and the feeling of softness created by the white merino wool on white canvas. I think the simplicity of this piece is quite beautiful.
What are you working on at present?
I’m working on a whole new series based on my ‘X’ pieces. I’m currently making an inky blue piece - it’s been challenging to use a single dark colour and achieve a light, fresh, delicate look.
Where do you find creative inspiration - local or international design, the web, magazines etc?
I love reading about creative people and seeing what’s new – I often look on Pinterest, (LOVE Design Chaser boards!), blogs like The Design Files, The Design Chaser and another favourite is Cush & Nooks.
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How would you describe your personal style and how is this reflected in your own home?
I’m working on a whole new series based on my ‘X’ pieces. I’m currently making an inky blue piece - it’s been challenging to use a single dark colour and achieve a light, fresh, delicate look.
Where do you find creative inspiration - local or international design, the web, magazines etc?
I love reading about creative people and seeing what’s new – I often look on Pinterest, (LOVE Design Chaser boards!), blogs like The Design Files, The Design Chaser and another favourite is Cush & Nooks.
How would you describe your personal style and how is this reflected in your own home?
I’m always drawn to simple things which have an element of fun but are still stylish and well designed. Our home is comfortable and inviting and it incorporates my love of design and colour. I don’t like things to be too fussy, so the colour palette is neutral with splashes of colour and pattern.
Do you have any advice for other artists or creatives who dream of going into business themselves?
To always go with your gut feeling, and I think persistence is key - doing what you love is the best job!!
Such great advice and I'd have to agree, the white on white 'X' artwork is just stunning. I can't wait to see the new series. Huge thanks to Jane for her time and for the beautiful images. Jane's home is actually going to be featured in an upcoming issue of Your Home & Garden so keep an eye out for that!
To see more of Jane's collection visit www.janedenton.co.nz where you'll also find information on buying and stockists. Follow on Facebook for updates and loads of interior inspiration!