Jane Atkinson – Contemporary Lace

The forces of nature acting on local conditions – whether this means crystaline ice formations on the edge of Christchurch Harbour, the confluence of two rivers curling through Avon Run, waves surging up the beach or falls of foliage on local architecture – have long fascinated Jane; but she chooses to react by winding filaments onto bobbins rather than spreading paint on canvas.

Slice of Ice, Christmas Crystals, a detail of which is shown here, is made largely in Christmas decorations to reflect the time of year you are likely to find such phenomena, in free lace responding to images of ice which spread one winter along the edge of Stanpit Marsh.  It is 6ft x 3ft, needing specially-made equipment and technique formed on the hoof.

Recent years have seen Jane exhibiting across Europe, as far as Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic (the cradle of Contemporary Lace), and teaching in France, Switzerland and the US as well as across Britain.  Her work has been supported by the Lace Guild and by Southern Arts, sponsored by major yarn suppliers, and she is writing her second book.

Teaching constantly feeds into her practice, encouraging the synthesis and simplification of ideas generated by exhibition pieces into items that are useful and decorative.  Widely influential, she has worked to introduce new audiences to her medium by exhibiting solo at Christchurch Red House Museum, leading a small group show at Highcliffe Castle, and participating in many national and local exhibitions.