A Love of The Land: Paintings by Jane Duff and pottery by Dylan Bowen

West Ox Arts is hosting the work of two talented artists bringing together pieces inspired by and evoking the drama of the natural world and the natural landscapes we inhabit. Painter Jane Duff and potter Dylan Bowen will be exhibiting at West Ox Arts from 5 February to 5 March 2022.

The natural world is Jane Duff’s inspiration. Having been brought up on the edge of Snowdonia and working as a guide in the Himalayas, she feels at home in wild places and searches them out to walk in, photograph, sketch and paint. Jane lives in Oxfordshire, where she is drawn to our wonderful open spaces, nature reserves, wetlands and especially the rewilding projects along the Thames which are encouraging the regeneration of wildflower meadows.

Jane says: “The focus of much of my work is on the fragility of our natural world and I am aware of the increasing pressure for development on our countryside. Our conservation groups are working hard to protect habitats such as woodlands, fens, the Thames wildflower meadows and floodplain wetlands amongst others. I like to record these habitats and, if I can, to inspire people through my art to appreciate the landscape and then protect it, then I am happy".

Dylan Bowen is one of the country’s most revered studio potters, with a studio in Oxfordshire. The rich earthy tones of the glazes he uses alongside the fluidity of his slip decoration bring to mind the untamed forces of our wild landscapes. His wheel thrown and hand-built works have an energy produced by the unpredictability of his highly powered slip pourings. The colour palettes and depth of his ceramics perfectly complement the drama of light and fragility that Jane’s artwork presents.