biography Jan
Crawford was born in Vancouver and moved to the Okanagan as a child, where she was
raised in an orchard setting. Jan studied art in Vancouver from 1979-1988
and successfully completed a Diploma in Fine arts from Langara College,
a B.Ed. (Art Major) from The University of British Columbia, and a B.F.A.
(Printmaking Major) from The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.As a printmaker, Jan works with the monotype technique and is known for her large and colorful Okanagan landscapes. Since 1986, she has been a member of Malaspina Printmakers Gallery on Granville island, where she has produced over 140 large monotypes. Her recent paintings speak to a vision and awareness of issues regarding the preservation and conservation of cultural identities. The large acrylic paintings are bold and rich with colour. The changing landscape, trees, windows and canning jars are all symbols of environmental awareness. She writes, “My work has been a reflection of my personal experiences and my continuing relationship to the land. I will continue to explore the role the land plays in defining our identities.” The transformation of the natural landscape in many regions of BC will likely alter our identity, as we will have to develop and adopt new relationships with the land that surrounds us.  Jan's images are portraits of a changing environment as well as landscapes of cultural change. Jan's prints and paintings have been exhibited in public and private galleries throughout B.C. and California. Her work can be seen at the Vancouver international Airport, The Lakeside Resort (Penticton), the Manteo Resort (Kelowna), and several Okanagan Wineries. Currently Jan’s work can be seen at the Malaspina Printmakers Gallery, the Hambleton Galleries (Kelowna) and the Lloyd Gallery (Penticton). Commissions are available by contacting the artist by email. |
