Glasgow-born, Cumbrian-raised artist Jade Melany is showcasing her oil paintings in Whitehaven, with the exhibition running from Monday, October 19 at the Whitehaven Town Council Gallery on Queen Street.
Ms Melany is known for her magical ceramics, copper jewellery, and two globally distributed tarot decks: The Soulscapes Tarot and the Initiates Way Tarot.
Her book, The Initiates Way, explores themes of spiritual alchemy and was published in 2020 by Mandrake of Oxford.
During the pandemic, Ms Melany used the book’s visualisations to lead online group sessions, offering support and guidance through difficult times.
She said: “I spend a lot of time in nature, connecting with the ancestors, land guardians at local sacred sites, rivers and all along the Cumbrian coast.
“Summer 2020 I visited Carnac in Brittany, with my boys and their grandfather, which initiated a profoundly deep connection to the ‘Otherworld.’
“Meeting those land guardians, at the ancient megaliths, changed my life.”
In early 2021, she began creating clay sculptures using river water from nearby sources.
This led to the creation of clay lamps and magical creatures, some of which are currently for sale in Gallery 9 on King Street, Whitehaven.
She describes working with clay as a “new journey” that began after a mysterious illness.
The experience, she said, gave her “a whole new outlook on life.”
Visitors are invited to meet the artist in person at the Queen Street gallery on Thursday, October 22, between 2pm and 4pm.
Ms Melany will be available to discuss her creative process and inspiration behind the paintings.
An after-party talk with free drinks will follow at Gallery 9 on King Street from 4pm onwards.
Guests will be able to view the Initiate’s Way book, Tarot cards, jewellery, clay lamps and clay sculptures.
Both events are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.