The Layering of Marks
Jane Millican approaches the surface of her work with a focus on the physical act of creation. For her, the eye often moves past the initial image to find the application of paint or the weight of a stroke. In pieces like Daytime Audience, there is a specific attention paid to how layers build upon one another. She uses dynamic pencil strokes that are meticulously placed to mimic the appearance of freshly-squeezed oil pigment. This method creates a sense of movement and fluidity within the paper itself.
The work often relies on a careful tonal range. By layering these marks, she achieves a depth that suggests a much heavier medium than the pencil used. It is a process of looking closely at how a single mark can take on its own life, independent of the subject it helps to form.
Training and Exhibition
Born in Dumfries, United Kingdom, in 1966, Millican developed her technical foundation through formal study in the North of England and London. Her academic path included:
- A BA from Northumbria University, Newcastle on Tyne.
- A period as a Graduate Fellow in Painting at Northumbria University between 1999 and 2000.
- An MFA from the Slade.
Her work has been shown in various cities, including London, Liverpool, Paris, Portugal, Barcelona, and New York. These exhibitions have brought her practice to spaces such as the Hatton Gallery and the Ben Uri Gallery and Museum in London. In 2007, she was also part of the 2(007) Pranvere exhibition.
Presence in Print and Gallery
The presence of her work in art publications has been noted in features for NY ARTS and ArtDaily. These articles have looked at her specific approach to medium and subject. Her ability to manipulate pencil on paper to suggest different textures is a recurring element in her recent output, with works from 2013 and 2014 showing this continued interest in the precision of the stroke.
