Jane Overton

My work explores the interplay of memory, imagination, and narrative, drawing inspiration from the rich visual language of childhood picture books, stories, classic Western films, and cultural archetypes. The Western Series is a mixed-media exploration of these themes, combining prints and collages that re-imagine iconic imagery of cowboys and Native Americans through the lens of nostalgia and creative reinterpretation. This series extends into small oil landscapes that capture fleeting weather phenomena, evoking the untamed spirit of the West, as well as paintings of model toys that serve as playful reflections on cultural storytelling.

In contrast, my portrait paintings in acrylic and oil move beyond traditional likeness to delve into emotional and narrative expression. Through physical gesture and dynamic paint techniques, these portraits invite viewers to engage with the stories and emotions embedded in each figure. Across all my work, I aim to create a dialogue between memory, cultural mythologies, and the universal human experience.