Glass work on show

Artist Jan Shoemark is having an exhibition of her work at the Carlton Gallery and will have a sample of works from mirrors, landscapes and a range of different outdoor artworks. From the quirky to the serious.

Jan is a glass artist who cuts glass like a stained-glass artist, but uses the glue and grout techniques of mosaic to create both an outdoor and indoor range of artworks. Each piece of art is unique. Made with hand-poured glass, every sheet is slightly different, with subtle colour variations. Jan uses a variety of different types of glass for the different styles of art.

Jan started cutting glass as a hobby while waiting for surgery and it’s turned into a passion that has seen her win awards such as bronze at the Ellerslie Flower Show and best site at the Mystery Creek Fieldays.

“I have turned my home in Waitoa into an indoor outdoor gallery and have visiting groups coming through where I give a talk on the different glasses and a small demonstrations on cutting glass.”

Jan also makes all her own frames using recycled wood where she can. A lot of her work is now commissioned which often push her out of her comfort zones, which means she is forever learning. Every day glass cutting is quick to learn, but learning to cut shapes takes time and practise, she said.

“It’s taken years to learn what can work and what doesn’t. Please enjoy the exhibition.”

■ Jan Shoemark’s exhibition is open now until January 20 in the Carlton Gallery at the Arts Junction, Main Rd, Katikati. Open hours 9am- 4pm Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.