Tue, 30/05/2023 - 13:43
Wylde Oake Artistry is an interdisciplinary practice whose primary focus is on the interrelatedness of the human and non-human fungal kingdom within a post-human philosophical and speculative future.
The founder, Jane Murdock has a lifelong love for art and textiles, which eventually led to her completing an Undergraduate Degree in Textiles. Currently, Jane is expanding her knowledge with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.
The business started because Jane and her partner wanted to be self-employed enabling them to specialise in areas that interested them. Jane’s partner, David Smithard, both in life and business, is a History Undergraduate with a deeply thoughtful and creative mind.
The natural world influences the business as they both find it peaceful and have an interest in the world of the fungal kingdom. Therefore, it’s no surprise the fungal kingdom has become the heart of their practice! Their artistic influences are hugely varied, from Artemisia Gentileschi to Edward Hoppe. It mainly just depends on the current project.
Jane currently uses a variety of techniques, including a traditional soft pastel painterly style and AI-generated art. Jane comments: “Art pieces can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to 20 hours to complete dependent on the size and techniques involved. My favourite pieces to make are longer sketched and soft pastel works, I can lose myself purely in the creation of the artwork”.
Jane is currently in the process of writing PhD proposals related directly to a practice-led doctorate, while finishing her MA degree while her partner continues to explore their passions with the hope of it impacting future investigations.
Wylde Oake Artistry joined Banks Mill to become part of a creative community and develop their confidence while expanding their arts practice. They are both confident the support of the team will help with creativity and business practices. Jane says: “I am very much looking forward to meeting and getting to know the artists and creatives of Banks Mill and, as a consequence, I am hoping it will drive us forward, opening up exhibition and commercial avenues that we may otherwise have not been aware of”.
To see more of their work visit the website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.