Jane Land - Creative/Artist profile

By Helinor Stead

With a surname like hers it seems inevitable that Jane Land of Land and Forage would have an affinity with Mother Earth and her bounty. 

A deep and abiding passion for plants was engrained from an early age. Since she could walk Jane remembers traipsing around the garden behind her grandmother as her mother was escorted on a tour of the garden-beds, cup of tea in hand. Jane says she gained knowledge almost by osmosis and it’s a tradition the women in her family still enjoy today. 

Over time Jane’s skills were in greater demand, encouraging the clever mum of one to establish Land and Forage. After ten years as a teacher aide at Tairua Primary School Jane felt the time was right to take the leap and begin full-time as a botanical artist. ‘I’m having to rediscover myself after my time teaching. This is just as much about creating a meaningful source of income as it is indulging my love of plants and exploring my talents.’

Inspired by the Slow Flower Movement, Jane is currently developing her offerings to include a flower subscription for local homes & businesses to be launched in October. This is a weekly subscription with flowers picked from the field, arranged and brought to you the following day. Sourcing from her own beds at her Tairua studio and local small scale flower farms Jane tells us, ‘The idea is to step away from large-scale commercial operations and support small businesses that honour the earth and provide for families.’

Besides the upcoming subscription Jane creates workshops for small groups including hens parties, birthdays, corporate team-building and children’s holiday programmes, bespoke floral installations for special occasions, homes and workspaces, indoor plant consultancy and coaching and fresh flower bouquets. 

CG: What’s one piece of creative advice you think is essential to share? 

JL: That creativity is within all of us. Look at art in it’s many forms, don’t think because you may not be able to draw that you aren’t creative. Creativity is inherent. It’s styling your home, it’s cooking, it’s the way you dress, the way you express yourself, in the words you use. It’s also a mindset in that it needs to be fostered. 

CG: What inspires you to get in flow? 

JL: Definitely nature. Mother Nature is the ultimate artist. Meandering walks, witnessing the change of seasons and noticing the small details at my feet. 

CG: Where can we find you? 

JL: On facebook Land and Forage & Instagram @landandforage. Examples of my work are also at The Shop, Tairua, Hot Waves Cafe in Hot Water Beach and Elements at Lyall Bay in Wellington. 

‘I’ve always had an interest in plants and growing things and I take a lot of joy in watching something grow from seed to blooming flower and then taking that magic and creating something to share.’

Details for upcoming workshops and the flower subscription will be released shortly so keep an eye out for those online.