Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 3 no 9

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Artspan Spotlight Jan Sasser
ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist
I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t aware I loved art. Books, music, and visual arts were all valued in my
family. As a child, I loved to draw and was inspired by the sketching of an older sister as well as my great
uncle’s amateur painting and sculpting. When I asked for quality drawing supplies they were given, along
with the imperative to treat them with respect and practice basic skills first.
However, family role models made their living in “more practical ways”. I didn’t conceive of art as a career
choice until much later in life. I flirted with the idea of applied art as a young adult, but didn’t actually make
the move to painting full time til pushing 50, after many years as a social worker. By that time, the backing
and support of an exceptional spouse made the risk more feasible.
Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date
I wouldn’t say I’ve had a mentor per se, though living in Charleston, I’ve had the luxury of example and interaction
with many fine artists. While few are traditional realists like myself, there is always something to learn
from one’s masterful use of color or another’s exceptional composition skills. The generosity of successful
artists with technical tips and career advice often amazes me. I’m grateful to Rick Reinert and others who
have nurtured my confidence along the way and “nudged” me at key moments to shoot for a high profile
show or opportunity that paid off.
Who is another living artist you admire and why
One of several who come immediately to mind is Mary Whyte, a Charleston watercolor artist of international
renown. I’ve long admired her mastery of watercolor but did not recognize how exceptional she is until seeing
a major body of her work recently in her “Working South” exhibition. Each piece is an evocative gem of
dynamic composition, rich color and texture, and masterfully rendered images that express the character
and personality of each worker and workplace environment. Pieces are all part of a totally coherent and
integrated concept. It’s as though she “wrote a book in pictures” that tells the tale of a disappearing way of
life and makes you feel you know all the characters. How can you fail to admire an artist who can do that
What is your favorite surface to create work on or to work with Describe it if you make it yourself.
I paint on prestretched primed canvas or linen. As a slow painter, I find these far too satisfying to be tempted
to invest time in making or preparing my own. I love the “spring” of canvas against my touch. A good even
medium tooth weave interacts beautifully with my brushes and varying strokes to create textural illusions
while still being “flat” enough to allow precise lines and details when needed.
What are your favorite materials to use
Simply, professional grade Winsor Newton Oils, odorless mineral spirits for solvent, and refined linseed oil
as a medium. For brushes I like hog bristle for underpainting and certain textures. I like soft red sables for
details, clouds, blending edges, etc.
What are your inspirations for your work
I doubt you’ll be surprised when I say nature is my inspiration. Nature has always been a source of joy and
renewal for me, where I am the most at peace. My husband and I love to walk, visit local rookeries and
gardens, and travel to scenic areas when we get the chance. I’m always moved to share what I experience
in my paintings.
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