Jane Walsh

I work with clear resin and I encapsulate fun colourful reclaimed objects like buttons and fabric and turn them into an army of little colourful people marching to tell stories in my art work. Colourful unique using processes new and unique developed by me in my crazy fun studio of creative colour. My main objective in my work be it in Art or jewellery is to make people smile .. 11 years in and it hasn't failed me yet .

Q&A

Artist Statement

My name is Jane Walsh – the creator and artist behind the colourful workshop that is Button Studio.I have always been inspired by colour and the effect that it can have on our state of mind. Button Studio was created out of this curiosity and my love to take everyday objects and turn them into pieces of art to preserve and enhance them. To me, everyday objects are anything that have found their way into a person’s heart.I love buttons for their colour, their range of sizes and shapes, and how they are connected to us in all sorts of ways. Buttons can hold lots of different meanings – from the castaway buttons in a family’s old tin, to buttons on newborn’s baby-grow or on your favourite jumper. Buttons are a little piece of our life story that might otherwise be lost… until I catch them and place them somewhere where they can be treasured forever.

What craft do you work with? 

I have a Degree from the National College of Art and Design Dublin in Ceramics . I got frustrated with the speed you can move at so switched my work to clear resin and invented a technique to fire it in my kiln to get it extra clear and crisp. I love the challenge mold making presents and I hate the sanding process!

What inspires you to work with this craft? 

Resin is a relatively new and very challenging material. the opportunities are endless. The effects and clarity you can get shocks me everytime and I have been working with it for over 12 years.

How do you start your creative process?

I struggled in college having to have the prep work worked out in notebooks that are not how I flow I experiment, make mistakes, and flow with the materials I am using letting them lead the way.  Colour leads me and I follow happily.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

I have three studios, the Smelly one (resin lab with huge extractor fans and I wear a full face mask.  The messy one holds all the stock and materials and shows props and then the clean comfy one where I do the final assembling of the framed works so it is warm and cosy and dust free.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I am currently working on my mold making skills and everyday is a learning day , silicone is tricky but would also love to work with plastic.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

Go with your gut it won’t lead you off the right path. Have morals when it comes to your work don’t be led by customers during commissions know what your art is about and stay strong don’t fall off course for anyone.

 

Media & Contact

Representation

Freelancing: Button Studio

 

Contact

Email: Jane@buttonstudio.ie

 

References

Website: https://buttonstudio.ie/

Instagram: Button Studio

Facebook: thebuttonstudio

 

Photography credit

Jeff harvey Tullamore

Location

Athlone Co. westmeath Ireland

Activity entries

Find tutorials, Workshops or Residencies connected to this practitioner