Saskatchewan Artist

3 Days Later - 2012 - by Jan Corcoran

Jan Corcoran

Jan Corcoran was born in Kimberly, British Columbia. She studied psychology, women's studies, and sociology at the University of Victoria and also took courses in clay sculpting, painting and drawing, and mixed media from Victoria artists. Upon moving to Saskatchewan, Corcoran continued her art studies through workshops, including those held at Emma Lake, with artists including Degen Lindner, Greg Hardy, Alicia Popoff, and George Glenn. Corcoran then studied at the University of Saskatchewan, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2007.

Corcoran's work in oils, acrylics, and mixed media reflects the prairie landscape in an abstract style. Corcoran is driven by an interest in the emotions provoked and memories triggered through colour and shape, and her works often feature multiple layers to create the illusion of depth. In explaining her process, Corcoran says, "My work is from observation, memory, and imagination. I like to work in series, each new body of work a compilation of short vignettes that somehow reflect what is happening in my life, past experiences, learning, and observations. It is about finding a rhythm with the materials that allows me to express those vignettes through my painting."

Corcoran has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Her work is part of private collections in Canada, the United States, Britain, and the Bahamas, as well as the collections of the Royal Bank of Canada (Calgary), the University of Saskatchewan President's Residence, EnCana Corporation (Calgary) and Snelgrove Gallery Collection (Saskatoon).

Jan Corcoran is a member of CARFAC Saskatchewan and the St. George Ave. Studio Artists' group. She lives and works in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.