Artist's Statement:

"My vision in art comes through in a representational style. As a subject emerges from the wood it goes through many stages from abstract to primitive to stylistic to representationalism. For me it is complete when it is in this realistic state infusing the essence of the individual wood with the uniqueness of the subject to create an artwork that is something beyond even the original vision. The color and grain of the wood adds a texture and richness that warms the subject while also giving it an additional abstract quality. I’m always reaching for more of what makes us who we are!

I portray men and women and animals in strength and sensitivity who are often overcoming life’s challenges in western, Native American, rural, spiritual, and every day life. It is a passion both creative and spiritual that feeds the heart and soul of this artist."

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jan Low started drawing and painting at the age of four, but later wood became her medium of expression. She graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and pursued a graphic arts career for eleven years before becoming a full-time self employed artist and sculptor in 1983.

Wishing to preserve, restore, and give new life to one of our most valuable natural resources, wood became her passion. Every piece of wood is unique and she sees a vision and potential in each one. Jan often likes to leave part of the wood in its original form with the subject emerging from it as in nature and our roots. 

Jan Low has received awards from the International Woodcarver’s Congress and Best of Show honors from the South Dakota Woodcarver’s Show. Her artwork can be found in private collections throughout North American and countries around the world. 

Gallery Insights:

Gallery Insights are open discussions coordinating with exhibits in the Visual Arts Center galleries. Topics are presented by an area speaker who specializes in the field of discussion.  The sessions are free and open to the public.

The following gallery insight programs are scheduled in conjunction with Jan Low's Touching Your Heart and Soul exhibit:

Public Program  
Finding Heart & Soul: Women in Art  ♦  Sat. Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m. 

Family Program
At home with Calamity Jane  ♦  Sat. Mar. 1, 1-3 p.m.

Support for the Gallery Insights program is provided, in part, by the South Dakota Humanities Council.