Doncaster woman follows her dream to become an artist after teaching herself the craft during the pandemic

Janet Wallace was off work during lockdown due to a serious illness.

It forced her to think about her life and what she wanted to accomplish.

Janet, 41, from Intake, said: “I’ve always had this voice in the back of my head telling me to draw.

“Last year I finally listened to it.

“After four days of painting and watching YouTube for tips I made something amazing.

“I started buying more paint and more canvases and that was it I caught the bug.”

Janet is influenced by sacred geometry, human form and conciseness which she expresses in abstract art.

She is currently studying a fine art program with the Milan Art institute to refine her skills in classical oil painting and drawing.

Janet has been inspired by Esther Mahlangu and Elli Milan.

Becoming an artist has had a profound effect on Janet’s life.

She said: “Over the past 15 months I have changed a great deal.

“I hadn’t anticipated the self discovery and evolution that would happen within me.

“The universe is really aligning everything for me, it’s brilliant.”

In the past Janet has been a dancer, model, worked in retail and health care.

But she said she has never felt happier than when she is creating art.

Janet is also excited about being an artist in Doncaster with the power to inspire the younger generation.

“Doncaster is a hidden gem,” she said.

“There’s a legacy in the making here that we are just starting to see.

“We can see the growth in the art sector here really start to take off.

“It’s humbling and awesome to think that I could be a part of it.

“That down the line someone might be inspired by me.”

Recently one of Janet’s art pieces has been displayed in the University of York gallery - she is the first black artist to have an artwork permanently on show there.

Other pieces of her art are on show at the D31 Gallery here in Doncaster.

She will have a solo exhibition in 2022.

You can see more of Janet’s work here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.