Valentine’s alchemic discoveries have led to the creation of a fresh series of art works that mark a new direction.
For many, lockdown was a chance to slow down, take stock of life and try new things – Jayeta was no exception. A pandemic-enforced spell in a “creative void” has unleashed a distinctive new approach from this talented painter known for her lush, vibrant scenes of tui, fantail, nikau, pohutukawa and other beloved native life.
The leap from decorative realism to a more suggestive, impressionist rendering of wild west sea and skyscapes came about while she was experimenting with commercial texturing art products and nature’s raw materials in search of new effects.
The process of inventing new techniques for a more earthy, 3-D visual effect through a build-up of layers and using rust or gold leaf for highlights is what’s got her so excited.
“I really enjoy the physical side – it’s a lot more time-consuming. And I have to be patient waiting for a layer to dry before adding something else,” says Jayeta, a former high school art and English teacher who has been painting and selling her art locally and internationally for 15 years.
Learning from her mistakes has also added to her original approach. “It’s fun making new discoveries through the creative process. I’m interested to see how different products – plaster, copper or rust – can work together and what I can do with them.”
Her eight new works evoke everything from a fleeting moment of glowering light on water or cloud, to the slow, subtle impact of erosion on the ancient land.
Jayeta’s new works, and some of her well-known native flora and fauna paintings, will be exhibited at her home gallery in Vogeltown throughout the Taranaki Arts Trail and Garden Festival.
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