We were lucky to catch up with Jane Mechner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jane, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
To be brutally honest, I look at the imposters. That is – the people who are sharing their art at a high level and are considered successful but making work that I don’t like. Then I think, if they can do it, so can I.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a figurative oil painter. My work focuses on multiculturalism, specifically through the lens of the cultures I grew up in (Austrian, French and American). I have explored this through portraiture of my multicultural male friends from life, and in comic format. I am currently working on paintings around uniformity and nationalism- growing up in such patriotic countries I always struggled to feel a sense of belonging, in myself and also as a perception from others. My work questions whether nationalism can ever be inclusive of multiculturalism through a slightly satirical lens. Please feel free to see my paintings on my website janemechner.com and Instagram @janemechner. I have two upcoming shows- “Headgear” opens March 14th -17th at Safe House Peckham 1&2, and the Painting MA degree show at Royal College of Art also in London June 19th – 22nd.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Documentation is key, and should be a routine that can be revisited. Old ideas should be easy to reference and improve.
Art Block has never affected me since I followed Joni Mitchell’s advice- she ‘crop rotates’. When she can’t write, she paints, when she cant paint, she sings. I personally can’t write or sing- but i’ve found other avenues to get lost in when I have frustrations in painting.
My world changed when I started truly investing in my materials. There is a responsibility of longevity when you’re selling your work, but creating work at a high standard with quality materials also changed my view of my own work. I value it personally and show that invested practice with what I choose to make it with. I don’t mean expensive materials either, but time and quality- ironing my canvas before stretching it, personalising my stretcher bars and choosing the type of wood instead of buying pre-made canvas. Often time these choices can be even cheaper than not fully understanding the breadth of materials you can work with,
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I find the best partnerships are often between two disciplines. I would love to collaborate with photographers, sculptors or anyone who has a shared vested interest the topics I explore in my work. These include cultural loss, multiculturalism and nationalism. I personally feel separated from a true understanding of my heritage, an admiration for it while also maintaining a strong judgement of patriotism. I’m interested in displays of cohesion, school kids in white socks or a parade of band members- that doesn’t truly reflect real politics of understanding.
My previous collaborations have resulted in zines, album covers, artworks and most importantly lifelong friendships.
Please feel free to send me a message on instagram @janemechner or an email to jane@mechner.com if you have similar interests.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://janemechner.com
- Instagram: janemechner
Image Credits
Gab Gibek
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