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 Expatriate NZ Artist: Jane Renwick
Did you ever dream of turning off your computer, putting on your coat, and saying goodbye to your old job to start something completely new in a different country? Aucklander Jane Renwick did just that after meeting her American husband to be, and deciding to make a new life as an artist in the USA.
Quitting her job as a secretary in 2003, Jane took her two cats and travelled across the South Pacific to take up residence in Rhode Island, America’s smallest state. Though a long way from home, Jane settled in quickly and promptly enrolled in a Fine Arts programme at the Community College of Rhode Island, a 2 year college offering Associates degrees. Having been interested in art from an early age Jane was thrilled to have the opportunity of pursuing a lifelong passion, and after an eye-opening 2½ years of art, music, and history, she had her Fine Arts degree.
Setting up as an artist became her next goal, so after obtaining her USA residency in 2006 Jane began painting vigorously with the hopes of one day selling her work. Influenced by a strong love of colour, her first pieces were inspired by the Fauves, a group of artists lead by Henri Matisse who favored bold color and expressive line, a style of painting that she has tried to emulate and adapt in her own paintings. Since these earlier works she has experimented with various styles, from impressionism to realism, though her love of colour remains foremost, exciting and motivating her to paint.
The business of becoming an artist also presented new challenges. Jane decided early on that the first step in her new venture was to set up a website to showcase her work. Assisted by her computer scientist husband she developed an online gallery of her paintings for prospective clients to view, printed up some business cards, and joined a local art group. Her next move was to participate in as many exhibitions as she could, and in December 2006 she sold her first painting, quickly followed by her second at the same show. Since then she has sold two more paintings, has several commissions underway, and has gone back to study at the Rhode Island School of Design to further her skills.
Though the artist wouldn’t necessarily recommend making such a drastic change of address, the move to the USA has been a completely rewarding experience for her. “It has been difficult at times, and a lot of work, but if you can afford to go back to school and ultimately do something you love, then do it. I’m really glad I made the leap both geographically and professionally.”
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You can visit Jane at her website http://www.pjrenwick.com/ |
