Meet Jane Steelman | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jane Steelman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jane, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Interview 10/29/23

Tell us about a book you have read and what impact it had on you and/or why you liked it.

Arts with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen (Author)
When I first started teaching because I had a double major in art and elementary education I was able to incorporate art into everything that I taught. The longer I stayed in K12 education the more disturbing it was to see creativity, logical thinking and problem solving squeezed out of the curriculum. Over time, politicians (who are not trained as educators) made decisions to omit the arts in favor of standard subjects devoid of the most important aspects of humanity. In addition, it was determined that standardized testing was the only measure of success and there can only be one correct answer. Relying on standardized multiple choice tests has over time created generations of people who cannot think for themselves and cannot do the research necessary to make logical, well-informed decisions. I cannot tell you how many times in my later career students just wanted the “correct” answer fed to them so they could regurgitate it on a test rather than solving a problem to discover a solution.

This book presents research that indicates the effects the arts have on the brain, learning and human development. If we as a nation were truly interested in higher standards in education; rather than eliminating arts programs when funding is tight, we would find ways to make certain they are included in every subject taught. Not only does the book address the visual arts but also music and kinesthetic arts and how each impacts learning.

Jensen presents research that indicates integration of the arts will lead to fewer dropouts, higher attendance, better team players, increased love of learning, greater student dignity, enhanced creativity, more prepared citizens for the future and greater cultural awareness.
This is a book that should be required reading for every politician, parent, school administrator and teacher.
The book supported what I already knew from experience over years as an educator; all of the arts are important to the development of human potential and should be included from an early age for all children in all so-called standard subjects.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is set apart from others because it’s mine. I’m not sure who said “Everything has been done but not by you” but it is true. As one acquires age one realizes this. Movies are remade. Songs are sung again by others. Book plots seem the same and so on. But even so, this quote means that we are all unique individuals and as such, even if something has been done before we bring something completely new to the experience. Even though we may emulate other artists, genres and styles, it will never be quite the same; but uniquely our own.

Many years ago I walked into a portrait painting class and was asked what I wanted to accomplish in this class. My response was that I wanted to be able to successfully paint my grandchildren. I now have three adorable grandchildren and have painted them all and will continue to do so. In addition I have been commissioned to paint other people’s children, grandchildren as well as family pets. This is what I am very excited about. I want to continue to grow as a portrait artist and continue to take commissions. I am most excited when I deliver the final portrait and many times bring tears to the eyes of their loved ones.

What I have learned along the way is that we are all in this together. The artists I respect most are those with a giving spirit. I believe that they are the ones who understand that even if they share their methods and materials, they will always have their own unique style. They are the most secure, professional and mature individuals in the profession.

What I want the world to know about me is I am always learning and growing as an artist. This won’t ever stop. Even if we think we are successful, we can always learn and grow and get better. It is a continuous process that never ends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am fortunate to live in an area with many interesting things to visit and restaurants to experience. I would want to check out the North Carolina Museum of Art, The Cary Gallery of Artists, The NC State Aboretum, The NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, and the Hillsborough Gallery.
Since I have a week I would visit Asheville and Brevard with the many quaint galleries there and drive up to Blowing Rock, Boone and West Jefferson, NC.
We could go to a play at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Restaurants I’d take them to would be Thai Cafe, Sushi One, The Peddler and Chef’s Palette in Cary.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people and experiences that have helped me throughout the years. My mother influenced me by encouraging me to explore the arts from an early age. When I was in school the arts were a part of the curriculum and I was fortunate to grow up in a large enough town in NC with a school system that had enough resources to support the arts for students showing promise. I was selected to attend a summer program while in middle school and had access to classes in the arts in high school. In some more rural communities that may still not be the case. As an adult the most influential organization that has helped me is the Pastel Society of North Carolina. I joined this organization when I realized that pastel was a medium I wanted to explore. The support of the other artists in the group is phenomenal. The demos and classes offered by this organization have taught me more than can be imagined. Looking back, I see how little I knew but over the years I have gained knowledge and technique through the educational experiences provided by this organization.
I constantly seek out other artists and classes to continue to learn about all media. I find that what I learn in one media translates to all others. Regardless of which media I am using; every experience with other media has an impact. It’s all connected and that is a powerful understanding to have which has come with time and experience.

Website: https://www.steelmanstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelman_studios/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jane-davis-steelman-9809952/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janesteelmanart/

Other: Email: jds@steelmanstudios.com

Image Credits
Megan Averette for “Caroline” with permission