Jane Chipp - 10 Questions for Artists

I remember exactly when I discovered Jane's work. Stephanie Lee had reposted a piece Jane was working on from one of  her awesome online plaster classes.  I gasped. I thought, 'Who IS this person and why don't I know her?!?!' (Yes. I really am that obnoxious!) And then I swooned, immediately followed her, and have been completely smitten ever since. Jane is able to take typical mixed media components... vintage photos, assorted ephemera, buttons, sewn elements and turn them into something extraordinary. There isn't a week goes by that I don't gasp (again!), exclaim, 'Why didn't I think of that?!?!' and swoon all over again. I'm thrilled to call her friend and to have her answer 10 Questions for Artists!

1. Favourite artist. Living or dead.

I'm not sure if I'm bending the rules too much here as he was an architect rather than an artist, but I'm choosing Antonio Gaudi. My professional background is in housing and part of my degree included architecture. I was, and remain, awestruck by his work. Artist-wise, I'm very interested in Joseph Cornell and am reading a biography about him at the moment.

 2. What's one thing in your studio you REALLY should throw out?

Not so much something that I should throw out, but that I should deal with. My studio is a log cabin in the garden and a very vigorous Jasmin plant has found a gap near the roof and grows through...it's taking over one corner!

 3. Best studio snack. 

I was so impressed when I read that Jen chose water. Unfortunately mine is chocolate...I'm not saying it's a good snack, but it is a frequent one. 

 4. Favourite studio smell. 

My dog, Cloudy who is usually with me. He has a really homely smell, a bit like biscuits.

 5. Least favourite studio smell. 

 Anything chemical like glue or encaustic wax that I've allowed to get too hot!

6. Most used art related app on your phone.

Instagram. I only follow art accounts and it's a huge inspiration to me, as well as being where I've 'met' a huge number of amazing artists.

 7. Top song in your studio.

I rarely listen to music but always have a radio play or drama playing. I particularly like dramas set in the early 1900s like Agatha Christie plays. In the summer, when the back door of the house is open, I can often hear my son playing the piano which is beautiful. 

8. Favourite art-related author, podcast(er), YouTuber.

I really don't have a favourite. I have a huge number of art books, mainly mixed media and book artists, and I have a lot of pins on Pinterest which I find to be a brilliant source of inspiration.

 9. Least favourite part of art-making.

I use a lot of old photographs that often need to be scanned and printed out on special papers...it's very tedious and time consuming. 

 10. Describe THE thing that would make you think: "I've Made It." 

This has never occurred to me but I suppose it would be to have my work regularly published in books/journals. The Kanyer Collection recently bought one of my collages, and I have work in a forthcoming book and I really welcome that validation.

More About Jane Chipp: 

I live in West Somerset, UK.

I started out as a textile artist, and still use textiles and stitch a lot, but primarily my art is collage now, including 3D collage The common thread running through all of my work is the use of found objects, photos, letters etc. It makes me sad that things that were once treasured by someone end up in a house clearance and I love to make them into beautiful art that gives them the admiration that they deserve. Consequently, my art tends to have a nostalgic aesthetic.

 Website: http://www.janechipp.art

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/janechipp 

                     http://www.instagram.com/willow_blue_vintage

Thanks so much, Jane! 

Interested in joining in 10 Questions for Artists?

Email or message me and I'll send you the details!