From Driftwood to Daydreams: Inside the Studio of Jane Wilson

In a quiet Shropshire workshop, Jane Wilson creates distinctive mixed media artworks, often from painted driftwood and found materials. Her work is shaped as much by instinct as by her deep-rooted background in the arts - a creative path she’s followed her whole working life.

A Life in the Arts

Jane Wilson has always lived a creative life. Before retraining as an artist, she worked in theatre – as a production assistant, theatre company administrator, and later in research and development for a regional arts association.

Then, in 1990, came a turning point. Jane decided to fully embrace her creative calling, returning to education to study a BTEC in General Art & Design, followed by a BA (Hons) in Wood, Metals and Plastics. After graduating in 1995, she set up her own workshop – and she’s been making ever since.

“It’s been varied, exciting, frustrating, uplifting and positive,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to have the time and space to make.”

Materials First, Ideas Second

Jane’s creative process is grounded in a love of materials, particularly wood – and even more so, painted driftwood. “The materials I collect often dictate my ideas,” she explains. Each piece begins with instinct and a response to shape, colour or surface, rather than a fixed plan.

She works from a small workshop she’s had for over 22 years – a quiet, focused space that allows her to follow her rhythm: early mornings, around three hours a day, with Radio 4 for company. “Peace and quiet is my ideal day,” she says.

Highs, Lows & What Keeps Her Going

Over the years, Jane has enjoyed some lovely milestones – being selected by galleries, offered solo exhibitions, and hearing positive feedback from collectors. “Those are always highlights,” she says. But not every day is smooth sailing: “Disasters? When a piece of work falls to pieces!”

Still, it’s the act of making itself that brings her joy – the chance to respond to materials, follow her curiosity, and lose herself in the process.

Jane Wilson’s quiet dedication to her practice, her intuitive way of working with materials, and her long-standing love of the arts all come together in the distinctive pieces she creates from her Shropshire workshop. Whether it's painted driftwood or a beautifully balanced mixed media sculpture, each work carries its own story - and a sense of calm, thoughtful creativity.

If you’d like to see more of Jane’s work, you can follow her online on her website.