Jane Moore Houghton
I love to ride my bike, knit stuff that never fits and play fetch with my dogs. To be clear: I throw the ball and they run.
Shows and Awards
Solo Shows
2015 (September-December) "Story Seeds" Short Stories Gallery, Madison, NJ
2015 (10/29-12/02) "Selected Works" Reuben Hoar Gallery, Littleton, MA
2014-2015 ( 11/2014-2/2015) "Beasts" series. ArtsWorcester @ Hanover Theatre Gallery
2014 Short Stories Gallery, "current small works" Madison, NJ
2012 Mad Hatter Gallery, "Birds" series Marlborough, MA.
2009 The Sturbridge Coffee House, Sturbridge, MA
2008 Gale Free Library, Holden, MA
2007 Newton Free Library, "Friends" seriesNewton, MA
Selected Group Shows
2018 Worcester Art & Frame Gallery, W. Brookfield, MA
2016 Princeton Arts Society 25th Anniversary Exhibition
2014 "ONE, Redux" Aurora Gallery, Worcester, MA
2013 “Blooms” Mad Hatter Gallery, Marlborough, MA
2012 “Six Degrees” curated by Wendy Cohen. Kingston, NY
2012 Alumni show. Tang Gallery, Saratoga Springs, NY
I am a black ink pen snob and my pencils must be sharp. I own a collection of pencil sharpeners and have been known to use two different sharpeners in one go in order to obtain the perfect point. Other than that, I'm easy to get along with.
In the news: links and articles about Jane's work
Rise, Design and Shine - featured artist interview
Skype interview with Diane Gibbs of the online Design Recharge Show
Interview with Gabriella Buckingham on her "A Creative Life" blog
Article in Go Local Worcester online magazine
Article in 11/2013-12/2014 of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine
Self-imposed challenge: “Word Daily” sketchbook. I combined an ignored daily vocabulary-building email that I really did want to read but never seemed to with sketchbook doodles and spot illustrations to practice some hand lettering. Result was a better vocabulary and a chance to share some of my not-so-perfect sketchbook doodles.
Jane Moore Houghton Phygment Studio
Every time I start a new series of works I start with a sense of wonder, a speeding up of my pulse, a feeling like I can’t catch up to the things I want to express and the places I want the work to take me.
If asked, I would say that my ultimate artist fantasy would be to spend a night in the Hall of Biodiversity in New York City’s Museum of Natural History. The first time I stood in this space and took in all the shapes, patterns and colors it blew my mind. I have learned the power of simple good design from nature. I love pattern, rhythm and layers of experience in art.
I live in Central, MA. in the geographical center point of Massachusetts. I graduated from Skidmore College in 1987 with a degree in Studio Art. Part of my undergraduate studies was spent at the University of Wales in Cardiff studying Welsh language and folklore.
I started painting seriously and selling my work in 2006. Turning forty was pivotal for me! Teaching art to children for eleven years brought me back to my bliss and I was reminded of what has always made me the happiest: making art. Welcome to my world!
* The spelling of the word figment goes back to college. I created a three-dimensional sculpture of the word: “Phygment” – a play on the fact that I was known as a creative speller. The word stuck and I was known to some in the art department as “Phygment” for years. Also, spelled this way it looks like a welsh word which I prefer.
Publications
Illustrated, "Gracie Brave" Pamela Krikke & Kate Eldean, Mindstir Media, North Hampton, NH. Children's picture book.
Nov/Dec issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine. Feature article, “Delicate Threads”. An article featuring my unique embroidery on tissue paper technique.
Selected Awards and Honors
"Arapawa Goat" awarded first place for creativity in Princeton Arts Society's 25th Anniversary Art Exhibit by Barry Van Dusen.
"Antongil Humpback Whale" selected as a finalist out of 7,500 entries in the Animal/Wildlife category of The Artist's Magazine 32nd Annual Art Competition.
Invited to speak at the Nantucket Whaling Museum about my Beasts series and the process of embroidering on tissue paper. June 29th @ 6pm.
Featured artist on Gabriella Buckingham's blog: http://www.gabriellabuckingham.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/friday-finds-artist-jane-moore-houghton.html
Featured guest on Design Recharge Showhttp://big.spreecast.com/breathing-life-to-illustrations/embed-small-preload
Nov/Dec issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine. Feature article, “Delicate Threads”. An article featuring my unique embroidery on tissue paper technique.
Feature article in Go Local Worcester online newspaper
First Place for “Regeneration” watercolor, oil stick and beeswax on wood panel
Featured guest on local public television, “Faces and Places” show
Education
2018 Certificate in Graphic Design Mt. Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
1991 M.Ed The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1987 B.S. Studio Art, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
1986-’87 Independent Study in Welsh Studies, The University of Wales, Cardiff, UK
Selected Professional Courses
Your Creative Gold with Jehane, Ltd.
Illustrating Children's Books with Lilla Rogers and Zoe Tucker (Scholastic UK)
The Working Artist with Crista Cloutier: a business course for artists who are serious about selling their work professionally.
Make Art That Sells with Lilla Rogers: a six week intensive course in building a professional portfolio while being exposed to 5 of the most lucrative markets for art: bolt fabric, home décor, children's books, wall art, gift with one of the industries top agents.
Make Art That Sells Bootcamp with Lilla Rogers: A six month program designed to help build a professional portfolio in a variety of markets.
Photoshop and Illustrator for Professionals - MassArt: best practices for smoother work flow and deadline completion
