For several years, Jean Newman lived and studied on the Isle of Grimsay, in the Outer Hebrides. In 2018 she graduated with a first class honours degree in Fine Art, exploring an ongoing interest in time and temporal continuity. Wishing to continue with this strand of thinking, Jean subsequently worked on a Masters by Research in Creative Practice, and was awarded a place to study for a PhD, researching the origins of visual creativity through ancient mark-making, and in particular the straight line.
In 2022, Jean moved to Easter Ross, to an area rich in Pictish history and art, and current research is into the potential origins of, and influences on, geometric elements of Pictish art, by tracing these patterns to other more ancient forms of decoration.
In parallel, this ongoing research interest in time and temporal continuity provides a point of departure for the creative translation of ancient marks into rhythmic, repetitive grids and patterns, reflecting time spent making, time passing and contemplation of the continuity between the ancient past and our fragile present.
Study:
2021 - PhD candidate, University of the Highlands and Islands
2020 - 2021: Masters by Research in Creative Practice, University of the Highlands and Islands
2013 - 2018: BA Fine Art, Moray School of Art, University of the Highlands and Islands
2012 - 2013: National Certificate in Art and Design, Taigh Chearsabhaigh, North Uist
1969 -1973: BA French Studies, Nottingham University