ABOUT

Janine is a Northland-based artist living and painting from her home studio in Whangarei. Working predominantly in Acrylic, her work is inspired by nature, memory, and the familiar surrounds and objects that quietly shape our lives.

While creative from childhood and a full-time artist for over 23 years, Janine's creative career began unexpectedly. Originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, she returned home from overseas and attended a local art class to master oil painting while raising her young family. What began as a creative outlet soon grew into opportunities with local galleries, and while on maternity leave with her second son, she made a decision to follow where the art was leading and began to paint full time.

Largely self-taught, Janine paints intuitively, allowing ideas to evolve naturally through the creative process. Many works begin with a feeling, fleeting thought, memory or simple observation and gradually develop into creative journeys that become series over time.

Inspired by native birds, flora and fauna, landscapes, familiar objects and treasured remnants, her paintings often explore connection, nostalgia, and the stories that are  carried with them. While many pieces hold personal meaning, Janine intentionally leaves room for viewers to find their own memories and interpretations within the work.

A long-standing exhibitor, Janine has been part of the New Zealand Art Show for 20 years and has exhibited successfully at other art shows around the country.  Career highlights include being voted Peoples Choice as a top ten artist at The Christchurch Artshow, and selected for the Luna Estate Art Award at The NZ Artshow which was featured on the Rosé wine label ( totally recommend their amazing  Rosé!).

For Janine, one of the most rewarding parts of exhibiting at these shows is getting to hear first hand the personal stories and reflections people share while viewing and connecting with the work. 

Outside of the studio, Janine has returned to part time to Occupational Therapy as an ACC contractor and enjoys the beach, fishing, going to the gym, family time and her much loved cats.