THE LIFE AND WORK OF Jane Price

Jane’s artwork is extensive, including sculpture, portraits of prominent wine industry figures, abstracts and landscapes.

We spoke to her about her background in advertising and how she moved into working as an artist full-time. Bursting with ideas and with sights on new adventures, Jane is an accomplished and talented artist.

 How did you initially become interested in art?

I won the Year 12 Art Prize at Seymour College so naturally went into a Bachelor of Visual Communication at UniSA. It was here I learnt to draw and I remember giggling the first time we did life drawing. I loved the creativity of all the lessons that we studied like the history of art so it ignited a fire in my belly for becoming an artist.

 Can you tell me about your career as an art director?

After completing my degree I went to Sydney and worked as an Art Director doing TV commercials for fashion and other clients. I then travelled to London and worked for an Advertising agency there doing wonderful photo shoots with kittens for Whiskas campaigns.

 What have been some of your career highlights?

Winning second prize in the Waterhouse Natural Science Prize at the South Australian Museum was a definite highlight, winning $5000. Being a finalist 7 times in the Waterhouse Art Prize was fantastic and People's Choice winner at Loreto Spring Art was extremely rewarding.

 How did your career evolve from art director to full-time artist?

It got to the point where I was sick and tired of the stress and long working hours of Advertising. So, I thought long and hard about what I really love to do and that led me to becoming a full-time artist. I was fortunate enough to make a living from it straight away and I have never looked back.

 How has your artistic style evolved over the last two decades?

I started out painting graphic images on raw linen in beiges and white which were very popular and then I transitioned to large abstract seascapes on canvas. About 10 years ago I started to focus heavily on sculpturewhich is my passion.

 How has the art industry changed over the years?

I first sold my work at Tangest in Norwood, SA and people were looking for large paintings that went with their neutral homes so I did a lot of white, grey and beige and textural artworks to compliment their homes. Lately, I have noticed people are more drawn to colour so my paintings have evolved.

 Can you walk us through your creative process?

I think about an idea for anywhere from a day to a few months then put it into action. With my bronze busts I stare at a photo of the person and then start to play with clay until it looks like the subject. It is extremely rewarding to complete a bust then take it to Tim Thompson in the Adelaide Hills to be cast.

 How do you stay motivated?

Motivation has never been an issue for me as I am always bursting with new ideas and always seeking to improve my skills through doing art courses.