MEET ILLUSTRATOR JAN PURCELL

As the wife of an ADF member, Jan Purcell has focused on her love of illustrating while exploring the country. We stumbled across Jan’s amazing talent on social media, and we’re excited to share her story!

When did you start illustrating?

I loved drawing from a young age.  This passion for art led me to study interior architecture at university, where I honed my ability to draw in granular detail.  When I first met my husband, I had no connection or real understanding of the military lifestyle. As I learned about military life and the sacrifices involved for both the serving member and families, I became interested in the beautiful badges, medals and awards that carry so much history, and I loved to research the background of various insignia.

What medium do you use to create your artworks?

I’m a pencil artist.  I use different types of pencils, from graphite through to colour oil.

What is the best advice you can give to someone interested in illustration / art?

Art cannot be forced.  If you have the joy and desire to be an artist, you can do it! You have to keep pushing yourself and practice all the time, even when you create something that you might not be happy with – learn from it and be patient with the process. And as you are driven by your desire, you will become better, and you will find that you have become an artist.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

I’ve been lucky enough to live in three different countries and travel a bit around the world.  It has been fascinating to see how women play and fit into different parts of each culture.  Despite these differences, I think women everywhere strive for the same thing; to live in safety and freedom, to be able to choose what to do with their lives. I’m lucky enough to be in Australia where I can do that and women are treated as equals, but I know that is not the case everywhere. As a mother, and I think a lot of women can relate, I want to provide the best for my children and that includes teaching my children about the important role women having in society, including the challenges and the joys. 

As they say, we stand on the shoulders of giants, and International Women’s Day for me is about recognising the women who strive to make the world a better place and do such amazing things.  But it is also for the women who work unacknowledged in the background, who go through the highs and lows of life. As a mother, it is also about providing the love, support and understanding to guide my children as they grow in this every changing world.

Do you exhibit your artwork and have you received any awards?

One of my pieces was featured in the New Zealand Army Journal, and I had a piece in an exhibit a few years ago. The majority of my work is commissioned pieces.

Can people follow your work and contact you about custom illustrations?

Yes, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram. My handle is @drawbyjanpurcell. 

Or email me directly on drawbyjan@icloud.com for a confidential discussion about custom requests.

 INTERVIEWED BY DEB HERRING