Jules Allan’s paintings are created in a constant state of revision, by layering, scraping and dissolving the paint she distils the essence of a state of mind. The surface of the paintings reveal the process of layering involved in making them, concrete, plaster, raw canvas and delicate stitching combine with monochromatic areas of black or grey as well as lighter tones. As usual, I wanted to know more about her inspiration and process.

Carol: What Is The Inspiration Behind Your Artwork And How Does It Relate To Your Pieces?

Jules: Although my work has evolved and changed over the years it has always been related to emotional states and how these are expressed through the body. Although there is often a human presence in my paintings, the forms I use are not human forms as such. They relate to the body rather that representing it directly. The materials are important, I often use not traditional or industrial materials in my work. The physicality of the materials lends an analogy to the body. I hope to create an organic object that evolves like a living thing with its own presence and imperfections.

Carol: When Did You Know You Were Going To Be An Artist?

Jules: I really can’t remember a time before art was at the centre of my life. In my teenage years even before doing a foundation course I turned my bedroom into a studio, and ruined the carpet with oil paint!. During the years that I was establishing my career as an art therapist and bringing up my daughter I didn’t have a studio and had very little spare time but I always kept sketchbooks and spent many an evening drawing at my kitchen table.

Carol: What Artist Inspires You?

Jules: So many artists have been important to the development of my work. I first fell in love with painting when I was at school particularly the beautiful and highly emotional paintings of Edward Munch.

The Abstract Expressionists of the 1950s have been very important to me as have some of the artists of the postminimal art movement in the 1960s, particularly Eva Hesse an American artist known for her pioneering work in materials such as latex, fiberglass, and plastics. I also love the rawness and energy of Antoni Tapies. He worked for over six decades and developed his own highly original visual language.

Carol: How Do You Start Your Pieces?

Jules: I often start with a moment of reflection, I may read a poem or listen to a piece of music. I hope to distil the essence of a state of mind so I need to tune in to myself and it is through doing this that the idea for the painting starts to germinate. From this point the physical process of making the painting can begin.

Carol: Can You Tell Me About Your Process?

Jules: My paintings are created in a constant state of revision, I layer, scrape and dissolve the paint over a period of weeks or months. The work evolves out of this process with the materials being subject to actions like being torn, sanded, stitched, layered and wrinkled.

The surface of the paintings reveals the process of layering involved in making them, concrete, bitumen, plaster, raw canvas and delicate stitching combine with monochromatic areas of black or grey as well as lighter tones. Each piece has its own mood, energy and atmosphere, I try and tune in to the feeling of the painting and let that feeling develop over a period of time.

Carol: How Long Does It Take You To Create A Piece?

Jules: I usually work on a series of paintings that are connected in theme. Completion can take a long time, normally months with the canvas being built up layer by layer. However there is no formula and every painting has its own process. I am always wary of overworking, if this happens the painting can be ruined, knowing when to stop is crucial.

Carol: Do You Have A Typical Question That Everyone Asks You About Your Artwork?

Jules: People often ask what materials I use and how I get certain effects in my paintings

Carol: What’s Your Studio Like And Where Is It?

Jules: I am lucky enough to have a studio at my home in Sussex. Although I have been in group studios before, this arrangement works well for me at the moment and I love being able to go in there late in the evening and just sit and look at the paintings I am working on.

Carol: What Do You Like Doing When Your Are Not Creating?

Jules: My job as an art psychotherapist in an NHS hospital and a prison takes up a lot of my time and energy, my time off is normally spent quietly, I love reading, listening to music and watching films, but do visit galleries as often as I can.

Carol: What Is Your Perfect Weekend?

Jules: The perfect weekend for me always involves a couple of hours in the studio or a visit to a gallery. I also love nothing more than sharing good food and a bottle of wine with friends.

Artist In The Spotlight:.....Jules Allan

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