I discovered my passion for batik whilst working with artists in Kota Baharu on the east coast of Malaysia in 1991. On returning to the UK I moved to Bristol and have continued to develop my own style of batik, repeating motifs to give the works life, depth and a sense of movement. The natural world provides an unlimited source of inspiration - my love of wildlife is reflected in my work.  My father is a keen birdwatcher & fisherman, so as a child  this is where I learnt much about and a love for birds and British wildlife.
​I work on white cotton lawn fabric using traditional wax pens & brushes to apply wax and painting on dyes to build up layers to give depth and colour. A final dip in the dye bath creates  the characteristic crackled effect.
I also produce etched glass to commission using wax as a resist before sandblasting and more recently have moved into textile design using a range of my images to produce fabric for handmade lampshades and cushions

I have exhibited widely in the West Country (including WWT Slimbridge, & artist in residence at Nature in Art) and at SWLA open exhibition in London.  My numerous commissions include  health centres, and corperate, charitable trusts and private clients.  I also teach batik to individuals and community and school workshops producing large batik banners.

WHATS ON:  Am looking forward to a New Year and some new events - first up is an exhibition on The Grain Barge in Bristol and another January Pop Up at The Tobacco Factory.  Most importantly I'm planning some trips to coastal wetlands to spending  time in the studio creating some new work 

Follow me on Instagram: @jowhiteland
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