Jane Claire Wilson
Jane Claire Wilson, winner of the 2022 Emerging Artist Awards, is deeply passionate about textile-based practices. Her work predominantly focuses on telling the stories of people, places, and objects through textiles, a medium she believes is particularly effective in capturing these narratives. Wilson is currently based at the Rural Arts Centre in Thirsk, where she also contributes to community projects involving children and older adults. Her involvement with local organisations, such as York Textile Artists and North Yorkshire Open Studios, has provided her with a platform to exhibit her work across the region. “I want my work to raise questions,” says Wilson, highlighting her aim to provoke thought and dialogue through her artistic practice.
Artistic Background
Wilson’s artistic journey began with her background in education and early years teaching, where creativity was always a part of her classroom approach. In 2016, she decided to formally develop her skills by undertaking an Access to Art and Design course at York College, where she explored various mediums such as painting, printing, and textiles. This was followed by an MA in Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University, which helped refine her focus on textile arts. From a young age, Wilson was drawn to art, particularly textiles, inspired by the traditional crafts and textiles she encountered in the various countries she lived and worked in.
Wilson’s work is deeply rooted in the landscapes and stories of Yorkshire. She has drawn particular inspiration from the North Yorkshire Moors and the River that runs through Thirsk, where she currently resides. Her exposure to different cultures and traditional crafts, combined with her love of Yorkshire’s rich natural environment, forms the foundation of the themes she explores in her work. “I think it's very important to go to different places to get other people’s ideas,” she reflects, emphasising how external influences have shaped her creative process.
Participating in the Emerging Artist Awards in 2022 was a pivotal moment in Wilson’s career. Not only did it help her establish connections with fellow artists, but winning the award also opened up numerous opportunities. “Scaf continues to support people, like with setting up the peer group, so I feel like I’m still connected years down the line,” she shares. This sense of validation and accomplishment has encouraged Wilson to continue developing her practice, and the ongoing support from SCAF has been a vital part of her journey.
Since winning the Emerging Artist Awards, Wilson has embarked on several new projects. In January 2023, she began a PhD in Fine Art Textiles at Teesside University, where her research focuses on how textiles can be used as a metaphor to explore ideas of space. Alongside her academic work, she remains actively involved with SCAF, regularly attending peer group sessions and staying connected with the community of artists. Wilson has exhibited her work in various locations, including the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery, and exhibitions with York Textile Artists. She has also shown her work at the ‘Inspired By’ gallery in Danby, located in the North Yorkshire Moors, and even exhibited in her own home as part of North Yorkshire Open Studios.
Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Wilson is determined to continue pushing the boundaries of her artistic practice. Completing her PhD is a key goal, but she also has ambitions to gain national recognition for her work. In addition to her own creative development, Wilson hopes to collaborate with researchers in fields such as sociology, geography, and philosophy, exploring how these disciplines can intersect with textile art. With her passion for storytelling and community engagement, Wilson’s journey is far from over, and she is excited to see where her artistic path will lead in the future.
