Explore the therapeutic nature of creativity by using both personal and shared experiences to construct art.

‘Finding The Hand of Kindness’ is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.

She says: “It is easy to edit all the difficulties and want to forget them. But being stuck and trying to work through them is what I do.”

Featuring over 20 artworks, discover whimsical landscapes of both East Anglia and of the sea, playful scenes of animals, human figures, and geometric shapes. Ostler’s work explores popular culture references like Disney, personal histories, expectations of social conformity for women and gender roles through history – from local oyster pickers to models of contemporary domestic settings of the American Dream and in television.

Making things bigger or smaller, layering and bringing together several images and objects, Ostler often creates deeper, more complex images inviting you to find your own interpretations and meanings – or perhaps none at all.

Based in Colchester, Jane Ostler, works across painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage. Her art delves into the interplay between creativity and autobiography, highlighting how personal histories and subjective experiences shape art. Ostler also incorporates diverse materials, including medical objects, to comment on significant moments in our collective history, such as the pandemic.

About Jane Ostler:

Jane Ostler was born in 1958 in Tonbridge, Kent, UK. Jane studied MA Fine Art at Goldsmith’s College of Art between 1983-86. Following her studies she worked at Whitechapel Art Gallery as a gallery technician and has since worked for a number of London galleries including Serpentine Gallery, Hayward Gallery and Goldsmith’s in various roles.