Jane Jackson

I am a textile artist based in rural Northumberland. I produce unique, brightly coloured wall hangings made from a range of Harris Tweeds and hand dyed Welsh wools, primarily using a technique called hooking. The process of hooking entails pulling/hooking small loops of fabric through hessian until the surface is covered by densely packed fabric loops. Hooking is a traditional and ancient craft technique, thought to have been introduced to the North East of England by Scandinavian settlers in the 14th century.

I am passionate about texture and colour, which is why I work primarily with Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed is made from wool and is hand woven in the Outer Hebrides. The resulting fabrics are beautifully textured and come in a range of glorious colours and designs. The tweeds I work with are a mixture of patterned designs and plain colours, and I particularly enjoy the way that the overall colouration of patterned tweed changes when it is used in hooking, often producing unexpected and inspirational results.

My designs are inspired by vintage textiles, my garden, and the land and seascapes of Northumberland. The act of making is also an integral part of the design process, as my designs always develop during the construction process, guided by the textures and colours of the fabrics used in each piece.

I am a member of Aurora Creative Arts.