Interview
Janie Dugan
Janie Dugan's maternal grandmother was a poet whose self-published works instilled a lifelong dream in her to marry visual arts with literary expression. At the heart of Ms Dugan's portfolio is an urgent message about Climate Change, environmental preservation and Human Rights. Her artworks often contrast the raw, spiritual beauty of nature against immediate real-world threats, such as her notable pieces highlighting global warming in the Canadian Tundra or devastating forest fires. Janie's globally-minded collections have traveled internationally, exhibiting in major art hubs including New York, Berlin and London, England & Istanbul. Through her art, Janie strives to give nature a sentient, guardian-like voice, asking viewers to pause, feel, and reflect on their interconnectedness with the planet.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a late bloomer, self taught but someone who has always desired to paint. I found my creative side when I worked in a flower shop and began designing ascetically pleasing floral arrangements. Moving to Windsor Ontario, I was able to open up a room with loads of light and began painting. Then, I found that I was able to journal and then later paint my ideals. Later on, as fate would dictate, I purchased a print at the Toronto exhibition by Artist Robert Bishop, that reminded me of my Father & Brother whom I have lost. That painting inspired me and I found Mr Bishop lived closed to Windsor and began taking lessons. I also attended Robert Bateman's Masterclass in Victoria BC in 2019. Next, I designed a website, Instagram and was invited to New York for the Clio Art Fair in 2022. Since then, I have been contacted by various galleries, and have had some great online reviews from Contemporary Art Curator Magazine and Contemporary Art Collectors reviews.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“In my art, I hope to bring topics of social and political issues. Climate change is front and center in quite a few of my artwork, such as: Extinction Polar Ice /North America (Hope for the Future - Book 2025), Monarch in an Hourglass. Or my painting DNA Gay/Human that was donated to the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Centre in Washington DC. in 2022.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“To this question, I would answer both planning in advance and just doing it. As I paint from my journal of dreams of visions those ideas are planned out but do sometimes morph into their own entity. At other times, I just decide on the colours and get out my pallet knives; for instance, Mr. P Foo Manchu was made improvisation-ally.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I mostly watch contemporary art through Artist Closeup Magazine and other books that I have participated in like: El Greco, Tribute to Van Gogh, and the Effectoe Arte Foundation of Italy. I do love the old masters and enjoy researching and learning as much as I can about their lives and art.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I paint with acrylic and in oils on canvas or waterboard. However, when using my feather quill, definitely Indian ink on Masonite is the way to go. My technique for the Indian ink is to think of a subject and just draw what I see. Sometimes, to finish up I fill in the blanks of colour with a lighter water coloured ink. It truly is a fun way to experiment and the results even surprise me.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Awe, without art life would be so boring. I wouldn't have an outlet to get away from life vicissitudes. Yet, more than that, if we were to think of a world without art bringing beautiful landscapes, wildlife, birds and nature were would be. Or for that matter, the contemporary art landscape that speaks of modern society and the quest for life - imagine it missing.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“If we are speaking about my artwork - which is the favourite, I would say, ‘Extinction Polar Ice/Hope for the Future’ my online book cover. Designed from a dream that awoke me in the middle of the night. The angry Polar Bear reared up, growled and pounced on the ice to break it forever. My book written with Esther Meerschaut a retired school teacher tells the story from the polar bears perspective. Grade 2 & 3 students enjoy the photos of the Arctic and the book inspires them to not only respect the environment but perhaps to act on what they learn.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Last year in 2025, I was involved with the South Hamptons Art Fair New York and Art Expo. In New Brunswick, St Leonard their annual Rendezvous de Artistes takes place mid August every year and this was the second year I attended. I joined the Acanthus Gallery in beautiful Grand Falls this year as part of their membership. Also, the Plien Air Artist Group here in St Jaques meets during the summer at the Botanical Gardens and I decided to join this year.”
Website: www.artbyjaniedugan.com
Instagram: @janieduganartist
Brush Bio: brush.bio/janiedugan
Other links: www.facebook.com/rosabatemanmcgee
