THE Small Gallery at Colby Woodland Gardens is going mad about silk! For the fortnight commencing June 21, artist Jan Hagen-Bossom will be filling it with all the vibrant colours of summer translated into a stunning collection of original paintings, embroideries, batiks, prints, cards and scarves. Jan, who began her career in Sweden as a textile artist in the '60s, paints colourful abstract flowers on mulberry silk and silk velvet, some appliqueed or embroidered, incorporating her hand-dyed silk threads and fabrics.
"The magic of Pembrokeshire has cast a spell on me," she said. "I want only to paint the beautiful flora and fauna of the area and to share my skills with other people."
She draws much inspiration from her own beautiful garden in Houghton where she holds regular workshops teaching painting and basic colour therapy. She is also fascinated by the therapeutic effects of colour and trains occupational therapists at Withybush Hospital in colour therapy techniques.
Most of her paintings begin with drawings and watercolour sketches done in the spring and early summer when she sits outside surrounded by flowers, birds and insects.
"To paint outside while the sun is warming the petals and the bees are gathering nectar is a blissful experience," said Jan.
Following this initial process, back in her studio, the work that follows is time consuming, but exciting. Jan likes to 'break the rules' as dyes flow across and down the fibres, melding together in unforeseen ways to create new shades and effects. There are inevitably a few casualties along the way which end up in the bin, but most of the results, as will be seen from her exhibits, are beautiful and unique works of art.
Although Jan attributes much of her inspiration to Pembrokeshire, she admits to being on a 'high' at the moment following a recent visit to Monet's garden in Givergny, organised by the Tenby and Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centres. For an artist not short on inspiration of the best of times, she is now positively brim-full of new ideas. All in all, this exhibition promises to be a real treat.
Colby Gallery, set amid the inspirational surroundings of the National Trust's Woodland Gardens, is easily reached from Llanteg on the A477 St. Clears-Pembroke road - follow the brown signs. Gardens, gallery, tea room and shop are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the artist herself will be in situ on June 21 and on Sunday, July 4.
NB. A few tickets are still available for the Midsummer Ball to be held in the meadow on Saturday, July 3. Proceeds to Amroth Community Carnival Committee. Enquiries, please ring (01834) 814200.
Book also for Colby's 'moth night', organised in conjunction with the West Wales Butterfly and Moth Group - a one-off experience in the moonlight, on Saturday June 26.