Artist's Profile

Jan Kilpatrick was born in Glasgow in 1963 and graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in English and History. She has explored a variety of roles in her working life, including those of English teacher and upholsterer, whilst living in such remote locations as Wester Ross, rural Perthshire and the East Sutherland fishing village of Helmsdale. The diverse experiences and skills she has acquired along this journey have found expression in the quirky and vibrant artwork she produces today, mixing media such as ceramics and textiles in the production of three-dimensional objects, often developed from the themes and motifs to be found in her own poetry.

"My work is the product of a desire to value and celebrate the intrinsic beauty and potential of everyday events and work-a-day materials, often cast aside by others without the slightest consideration. I find that combining an eclectic mix of recycled and natural materials, each with their own history and patina, gives fresh life to each work whilst retaining a resonance with the past. The resulting work is usually intense in colour and organic in form. Recently I have become interested in illuminating lyrical text, giving expression to the links, both ordinary and sacred, between human experience and the natural world upon which we all depend."

Jan now lives in Elphin, a crofting township north of Ullapool. She combines working to commission with teaching mosaic, embroidered textiles, creative book-making and creative writing. It has been a couple of years since Jan's work has been seen around the Scottish galleries but now that her studio is in working order, she intends to submit more work for exhibition and to open her studio to the public during the summer months.

	Studio 106, Achiltibuie.
	Bridge Cottage Gallery & Cafe, Poolewe.
	The Frigate, Shore Street, Ullapool
	Ullapool Nurseries, Ullapool.
	Dornoch Art Gallery (from June 2010).

If you would like to order a mosaic, either telephone Jan on 01854 666 279 or leave your requirements on the Feedback Form. Jan will then contact you. Alternatively you can purchase a course voucher from the Online Shop on this site.

Jan's work is featured (somewhat modestly) in a new and exciting publication "The Art of Mosaic" by Sarah Kelly, Quintet Publishing 2003, ISBN : 1903 975 972.

Examples of Jan's work, and details about about the courses on offer, can be found on this website. Alternatively you can phone her on 01854 666 279, or e-mail Jan at jan@wildtiles.co.uk