Janette Sumner

Janette will be located in Venue 15 - Village Hall

Janette is an abstract artist whose work is heavily influenced by the coastline. From observed and recorded information her work captures the striking visual impact of tidelines and the shifting sands.

I live close to the East Lothian coastline, and spending time by the sea gives me a particular sense of calm. I like nothing better than wandering along the beach investigating and sketching what’s hidden in the nooks and crannies of the tidelines and rock pools. The tidelines really interest me, the fact that they are only there for a short space of time supporting crustaceans, sandhoppers and seabirds before the incoming tide laps around the tidelines once again at high tide.

I work with mixed media, and it lends itself so well in capturing the characteristics of the tidelines with their hidden colours and intriguing textures and shapes. I like to build up the surfaces first with layers of collage using a vintage travel guide of Scotland, together with my favourite mulberry tissue which is embedded with dried seaweed. The tissue crinkles beautifully onto the painted surface when wet, and when dry it gives the lovely texture of rivulets running along the beach. The collage then becomes interwoven within the painting to create layers and depth into which I excavate to expose hidden shapes and colour. Ink is also a favourite of mine, and when dropped onto the surface I’m always fascinated to see how it weaves around the collage and paint. The results give the paintings a sense of freedom and spontaneity, which is how I perceive our wild coastal environment.

You can find out more about Janette Sumner on her website and instagram.