Jan Bruce
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I'm a sculptor whose recent work centres on figurative themes, often balancing representation with elements of semi-abstraction and flowing, geometric design. Each piece I create is shaped by emotion and a desire to convey something universal. Sculpting is more than a practice for me; it's a vital form of expression, offering a way to communicate feelings and ideas that words cannot fully capture. Through my work, I aim to create a quiet, powerful connection that invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and feel something deeply human.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
Being an artist means engaging in a process of instinctive expression and discovery. Working with stone is almost like breathing for me; a way to explore and convey ideas, emotions, and human experiences that cannot be fully expressed in words. It is a continual dialogue between material, form, and feeling, and a practice that brings purpose and meaning to my life.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Jan Bruce Sculpture
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
My practice is primarily studio-based, with occasional carving demonstration days at various venues. I'm also planning to run workshops in the near future.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I began stone-carving at age 14, then went on to study Fine Art Sculpture at degree level.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
16th February - 12th May 2024 - Spring Exhibition, Craft Gallery, Old Mayor's Parlour, Hereford.
8th April 2024 - ongoing - Bluestone Gallery, Hay-on-Wye.
25th - 27th May 2024 - Hay Castle Lawns, Hay-on-Wye.
10th July 2024 - Filmed for BBC at Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire.
8th August - 31st September 2024 - Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
2nd - 28th September 2024 - h.Art Prizewinner's Exhibition, Craft Gallery, Old Mayor's Parlour, Hereford.
9th October 2024 - ongoing - Park Gallery, Cheltenham.
30th November - 20th December 2024 - Christmas ‘Affordable Art’ exhibition, Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
1st April - 31st September 2025 - Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
31st May - 14th September 2025 - Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern.
4th June - 3rd August 2025 - 'Creating Spaces' 2025 Summer Sculpture Exhibition, Miserden Estate Gardens, Gloucestershire.
23rd - 25th August 2025 - Art in Penallt, The Bush Inn, Penallt, Monmouth
6th - 14th September 2025 - h.Art exhibition at The Laskett Gardens, Herefordshire.
6th - 14th September 2025 - h.Art exhibition at Dore Abbey, Herefordshire.
1st - 31st October 2025 - 'Hugs In The Garden' solo exhibition at The Laskett Gardens, Herefordshire.
18th – 26th October 2025 - Creating Indoor Spaces 2025, The Sanctuary Space, Brimscombe Mill, Stroud.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Park Gallery, Cheltenham.
Bluestone Gallery, Hay-on-Wye.
Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
Online shop at janbruce.co.uk