AN experimental artist known for her use of innovative and modern materials has unveiled her latest work at an exhibition at Cross Lanes Organic Farm, off the A66.
Jane Young, who is known for her colourful artwork inspired by nature, has built a reputation for her pieces fashioned out of concrete, resin and wire.
In a month-long exhibition at Cross Lanes, which opened on Monday, April 1, she has created a series of unique plaster cast plaques which capture the flora and fauna she encounters while walking close to her home at Whorlton.
Ms Young, who gained a first class honours degree in fine art at Sunderland University, says she is passionate about nature. Each of the reliefs features a variety of different wild flowers, ears of corn and leaves, the detail of which is intricately reproduced.
She says: “I find most of the flowers when I walk down by the river.
“Although this new work is not as colourful as usually, I just love the detail it provides and it is my intention to start introducing some colour into the reliefs.”
To create her plaques Ms Young makes impressions using the collected flora and fauna before casting in plaster. The method, which dates back to ancient Greece, provides a three dimensional snapshot and is incredibly detailed.
Ms Young added: “I love experimenting and I have really enjoyed this. I absolutely adore the detail and the beauty is there are no two the same.”
The plaster reliefs are on show within the cafe at Cross Lanes, however, as part of the exhibition Ms Young will also be running several workshops at the centre to teach others how to create their very own plaster reliefs.
A children’s plaster casting workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 10, when youngsters will get to try out the ancient technique.
Then on Monday, April 29, Ms Young will host an adult session.
She said: “I started running classes a few years ago and I now do four a week.”
The workshops are separate to her usual classes, but will give people the opportunity to create their very own artwork during the day, which they will get to take home at night.
For more information on the exhibition, which runs until Wednesday May 1, or the workshops you can contact Cross Lanes Organic Farm on 01833 630 619.
