Jan Bruce

Artwork for Jan Bruce

'Safe', 23", 2024

'Home', 24", 2025

'Grace', 24", 2025

'Kilkenny Hug', 15", 2025

'One', 23", 2025

'Small Hug', 8", 2025

'Family', 23", 2025

'Shared Thought', 24", 2025

Exhibiting at

Details

Website:

https://www.janbruce.co.uk

Email:

Jan@janbruce.co.uk

Telephone:

07970985568

How would you describe the work you do and why?:

I create stylized stone sculptures that explore the emotional and physical language of hugs. My work distills human connection into simple, powerful forms—each piece aiming to evoke a feeling of warmth, closeness, or tenderness. I’m drawn to the timelessness of stone and the contrast between its solidity and the intimacy of the subject.
I do this work because I believe that gestures of connection—like hugs—are fundamental to being human, and capturing that in a lasting material feels meaningful to me.

For you what does being an artist mean?:

For me, being an artist means returning to something essential. I started carving stone when I was young, but life took me in other directions for a long time. Coming back to sculpture later in life has reminded me that making art isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am. Being an artist means paying attention to what moves me, and then shaping that feeling into something others can touch and feel too. It’s about connection, honesty, and doing work that speaks without needing to explain itself.

Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:

Jan Bruce Sculpture

Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:

My practice is centered on making—carving stone sculptures, working primarily in my studio, where I focus on the physical process of shaping stone by hand. While I’m not currently teaching or running workshops, It's something I'd love to do and am actively working towards.

CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:

BA (hons) Fine Art - Sculpture, Brighton, 1990
Member of Cotswold Sculptors Association since November 2024

Exhibitions in the last 3 years:

February - May 2024, Spring Exhibition, Craft Gallery, Old Mayor's Parlour, Hereford.
April 2024 - to date, Bluestone Gallery, Hay-on-Wye.
May 2024 - Hay Castle Lawns, Hay-on-Wye.
August 2024 - to date, Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
September 2024, H.Art Prizewinner's Exhibition, Craft Gallery, Old Mayor's Parlour, Hereford.
October 2024 - to date, Park Gallery, Cheltenham.
May - September 2025, Summer Sculpture Exhibition, Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern.
June - August 2025, 'Creating Spaces' 2025 Summer Sculpture Exhibition, Miserden Estate Gardens, Gloucestershire.

Your gallery outlets/stockists:

Cotswold Sculpture Park, Gloucestershire.
Park Gallery, Cheltenham.
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern.

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