Former curator takes brush in hand to produce exceptional pieces
Accomplished East London artist Jen Rowlands has an exhibition on show at CVD Framers and Art Gallery that will continue until June 22.
The collection is called The Third Day and features paintings in water colours, gouache, ink and oils.
Rowland started painting as a little girl and grew up honing her art skills with the encouragement of her parents and her grandmother, who was also a talented painter.
Rowland was the first fulltime curator at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery, serving for eight years.
She used this opportunity to establish the gallery as a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape art community.
During this time, Rowland developed numerous programmes for tertiary and school level youth to gain practical experience and develop their knowledge about art.
“The Ann Bryant art gallery has been a great space to help artists develop their craft.
“I love being in the space, it’s a beautiful building.
“In my opinion, the Ann Bryant Art Gallery is a treasure of East London,” she said.
Rowland uses her art to express her love for God and does so by painting what she identifies as God’s creation.
“I am a Christian and I show my love for God through my paintings. I am stimulated by nature.
“I paint land-, sea- and skyscapes. I also draw detailed images of different parts of nature, like small creatures.
“I used to be able to take long walks and draw images of what I saw. Now I take photos with my cellphone and use them as references,” said Rowland.
Rowlands also spent time working at the department of sport, recreation, arts & culture and used her position to work towards uplifting and resourcing those less fortunate and thus developed a deep knowledge of craft and crafters in the Eastern Cape.
Throughout her life, Rowland has actively used her expertise and passion for art to assist others in developing their skills and using their art to uplift themselves and others.
Artist and owner of CVD Framers, Louise Pietrucci, said: “She’s spent a lot of time in the arts environment. She used to be the curator of the Anne Bryant, and she’s spent a lot of time encouraging other artists as well.
“But I think her work is deep and serene, and it’s been received very well.
“We had a lovely opening, sold quite a few pieces.”