About the Artist
Self Portrait: Mostly Fake
(click for large image)
Janice Thwaites has combined her art career on the Isle of Wight, with running her business as an antique dealer, and being a director of the Model Village Godshill. In 2004 she gave up the day job to concentrate on her artwork.
Janice has worked with mixed media, using materials relevant to what she is trying to convey. Over the years she has used raw meat, wire cages, plastics, prosthetic limbs, taxidermy, paint and plaster. Photography has become a large part of her practice. For the most recent work, she has been using inflatable beach goods and large quantities of duvets.
Most of the work is site specific and three-dimensional. Her career was launched when her work was accepted for the exhibition, "Angels and Mechanics". This was a touring exhibition about fertility in the 21st century. The opportunity came as she was finishing her BA degree, where her work was based on the interference on women, from conception to childbirth. This was also the subject of her dissertation.
In 1999 she began working on a major solo exhibition "Dilemma" This was a touring exhibition about the use of animals by humans, and where we draw the line as to what is acceptable, morally and ethically. This work was controversial and attracted a lot of attention. While doing her gallery talks and lectures, Janice found herself talking to very mixed audiences, including animal rights activists.
Janice has exhibited regularly, with "Catalyst" a Portsmouth based international group of scientist’s and artists, also with the Winchester based "Remarks" group.
The most recent work has developed from the Rope Store on Newport Quay. This building is part of Quay Arts, and is also the Quakers Meeting House. The work is about hiding and concealing, revealing and exposing. It is also about places to pray. The aim is to install artwork in this space, taking the project full circle, back to its inception.
Additional Information
EDUCATION
2004-2006 University of Southampton. W.S.A. M.A. Fine Art by Project.
1991-1995 Winchester School of Art. B.A. Honours Degree.
1960-1963 North Oxford School of Art. Banbury, Oxon.
Page last updated: 20th January 2008