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, which explored an ongoing interest in time and temporal continuity. Wishing to continue with this strand of thinking, Jean's subsequent work on a Masters by Research in Creative Practice provided the foundation for a thesis-based PhD, exploring 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. Study and creative practice took second place in favour of a major building project. But an interest in the secrets of the past continues, concealed and revealed in ancient marks, whether in the landscape, or in fragments of decorated pottery, or on monumental cross slabs.
This interest is now being pursued through an exploration of the origins of and influences for geometric elements of Pictish art and other more ancient forms of decoration. Translation of these marks, whether straight or curved, into rhythmic, repetitive grids and patterns infers time spent making, time passing and contemplation of the continuity between the ancient past and our uncertain present, echoing an ephemeral hold on this time and place.
Study:
2021- current PhD candidate, University of the Highlands and Islands (study discontinued)
2020 - 2021: Masters by Research in Creative Practice (partial)
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