British artist Jane Pine’s creative journey spans over four decades, encompassing a rich and varied exploration of portraiture, landscape, and still life. In 2014, she embarked on a transformative new chapter, returning to education to pursue a degree at Plymouth College of Art (now Arts University Plymouth). Graduating in 2017 with a first-class BA (Hons) in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking, which laid a strong foundation for their artistic evolution.
After completing her studies, the artist devoted several years to capturing the landscapes surrounding her home, building a presence within the artistic community. This period of exploration and connection led to a pivotal moment in 2019, when she enrolled in a Mentoring Course at the Newlyn School of Art in Cornwall and rediscovering her passion for the human form - a shift that profoundly shaped her practice.
This newfound focus coincided with the discovery of a compelling ancestral story involving the artist’s grandfather and the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence. This narrative inspired a deeper investigation into the male psyche and the complexities of masculinity. Drawing from personal experiences, relationships, photographs, and literary sources, the artist crafts authentic and nuanced interpretations of human sensitivity and emotion.
Using oil paint on canvas or wood panels, Jane’s work delves into the intricate layers of human nature, inviting viewers to reflect on the vulnerabilities, connections, and stories that define us all. This deeply personal approach not only enriches her artistic expression but also resonates with audiences, creating meaningful conversations around identity and the shared human experience.
Pine's grandfather, Frederick Joseph Daw, was involved in a significant historical event. On May 17, 1919, Daw was aboard a Handley Page aircraft transporting T.E. Lawrence—known as "Lawrence of Arabia"—from Europe to Cairo. The aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Rome's Centocelle airport, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. Both Daw and Lawrence survived, with Daw cutting Lawrence free from the parachute in which he was entangled in the tail of the plane; Lawrence sustained a broken collarbone and several broken ribs.
Several of Jane's original paintings are influenced by this harrowing event and feature the vulnerable male figure and the parachute material.
During his recuperation in Rome, Lawrence began working on his seminal book, "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," which chronicles his experiences during the Arab Revolt. This period marked a pivotal point in Lawrence's literary career, intertwining his recovery with the inception of his renowned narrative.
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