about
artist statement
My artwork contains glimpses of a search for meaning in music, animals and people, color, nature, memory, myth and mystery, among other things. I work with the languages of both the written word and the visual. Each stands on its own, but I enjoy providing space for their interplay.
I create mostly small and medium-scale paintings (acrylic or oil) and mixed media pieces, often incorporating my original poetry. Some pieces include fiber, photography and other media. Both the visual and written aspects of my work arise from my own experiences, contemporary events, the natural world, free-flowing paint or wordplay, and the voice that speaks when I dare to listen.
I intend for the images and words not to limit viewers’ responses, but rather to connect with and free them to consider their own life, dreams, memories and experiences—their own language.
artist background
Jane Robinette was born and raised in Iowa and has lived in Iowa most of her life. She grew up surrounded by the art and art-making of her mother, her aunt, and others in the community. She has written poetry and prose and enjoyed visual creative activities since she was very young.
After obtaining degrees in social work and law, and working in both areas for several years, Jane left her law job in 1998 to launch the Iowa Women Artists Oral History Project (www.lucidplanet.com/iwa) and to do more of her own creative work. Since then she has coordinated another art/interviewing project (www.beyond9-11.org) and learned basic website design. In addition to painting and writing, she creates and maintains websites for her own projects and for several clients. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her spouse.