Impressions, Maureen Mulhern; Photography, Caitlin Denny

We had the pleasure of visiting the lush garden studio of represented artist, Jane Hambleton. Surrounded by fruit trees, grape vines and vegetable gardens, her studio is serene and thoughtful; rich in texture and narrative. With her solo show approaching at Michael Rosenthal Gallery (September 12 – October 10), Hambleton shared works in progress with us as she spoke about her interest in dream states, titling her upcoming show Above, Below and What Falls Between.

In her whitewashed studio, light filled and lovingly restored, she spoke to us of her lifelong passion for water, an element that informs her work on a variety of levels. Fluidness, suspension, serenity; these ideas inhabit the pictorial space, like a moment in time, bringing a sense of nostalgia within a dreamlike space.

Like undulations of water, Jane further explores water and surface using color and texture studies when exploring mixed media. Using graphite on paper, gel medium and staining with oils, she creates techniques that are rich, nostalgic with age, and textural; equally stunning on her large scale pieces as her small scale panels.

Inspired by minimalist music, the paintings of Neo Rauch, repetition of code, symbol and symmetry, Jane uses the figure to create a dream state narrative. The figure is seen in action, in absence, and in repetition and symmetry. With concepts based on Lifesaving manuals from the 1940’s, her figures are rendered masterfully, with emphasis given to detailed shadowing. Significant are symbols of the ladder and the lifeboat – elements that define the ultimate result – saving a life.

We loved getting insight into Jane Hambleton’s work and process; we were inspired by her distinct use of mixed media coupled with striking images and concepts. We look forward to her solo show this Fall; serene minimalist palettes infused with water elements and dream states, it is certain to be a phenomenal show and we are proud to represent her!

Links
Jane Hambleton