We were lucky to catch up with Jane Nodine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jane , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was drawn to art and design as a young child and was fortunate to have parents that supported that interest. The schools I attended had strong art programs and I was also able to attend private classes in the afternoons. We were casting in plaster and enameling on copper, which was rather sophisticated for elementary age students. It was from that point I began to see a possible life-long attention to art and design. In high school I selected the art courses available in order to be prepared for college where I eventually earned a B.F.A and an M.F.A.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an artist and designer living in South Carolina where I produce handcrafted art to wear. My interest is grounded in a sophisticated design that is well made and affordable to collect. I use a variety of materials that include metals, plastics, laminates, natural and synthetic substances.

My designs call attention to a person’s sense of style and I guarantee customers will receive compliments. Trained in painting, drawing, and metalsmithing, my background led to commercial jewelry design in the 1980s when I produced jewelry and accessories under the trade name of Jane Nodine Hardwear.

As an avid traveler and former director of Study Abroad Italy at the University of South Carolina Upstate, I merge international influences with down-home Southern charm. While materials and components may repeat in my jewelry, the attention to handcrafted details yield unique one-of-a-kind pieces that will render years of wearing pleasure.

Inspiration
Growing up in the South instilled a love of nature that inspires my studio practice in jewelry, painting, and printmaking. Having a strong interest in materials, I enjoy using non-traditional and unexpected materials to create pieces that make a statement and give a unique voice to the wearer.

I celebrate textures, patterns, and colors that create unusual surfaces that show the passage of time and a record of aging. This photo is one of the walking trails where I spend time and gain inspiration.
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Design Philosophy
As an artist and designer, I believe in strong design combined with solid craftsmanship. My design interests lie in creating statement jewelry that gives wearing pleasure to those who choose to step away from the crowd.

I am known for progressive quality design in jewelry/wearable art and fine art. I operated a commercial jewelry design and manufacturing company, Jane Nodine Hardwear, in the late “70’s and 1980s until I joined the University of South Carolina Upstate as an art professor and university gallery director. In 2018, I retired from my teaching position and am now able to devote my time to studio work. I exhibit nationally and often conduct workshops and give lectures on my work. I am interested and very involved in cooking, gardening, and travel.

Jane Allen Nodine is Distinguished Professor Emerita and retired Gallery Director at the University of South Carolina Upstate, where she served as head of the art program for over twenty years. Prior to joining the University she owned and operated Jane Nodine Hardwear, a full-service jewelry design and manufacturing company. Jane has worked in a variety of media throughout her career and she exhibits widely in the US and Europe. Recognized with numerous awards, Jane received an NEA/SECCA Southeastern Seven IV Fellowship from the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and two South Carolina Arts Commission Artist Fellowships.

In 2012 she received the Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement by the Southeastern College Art Conference and in 2002 she was awarded a Belle W. Baruch Visiting Scholar Fellowship to Hobcaw Barony Plantation in Georgetown, S.C. Jane’s work is included in numerous collections including the Medical University of South Carolina, Equitable Life Assurance Society – NYC, Stadtsparkasse Bank – Germany, and multiple works in the South Carolina State Art Collection. Jane’s career spans several decades and in 1999 she was selected by the South Carolina State Museum and the South Carolina Arts Commission as one of the One Hundred Most Significant Artists in South Carolina During the 20th Century.

Jane is well known for her contributions to teaching and in 2016 she received the Distinguished Art Advocate Award, Sponsored by the South Carolina Art Education Association. In 2008, she was recognized by the University of South Carolina Upstate with the Faculty Award for Scholarly and Creative Pursuits, and in 2004 the Award for Teaching Excellence from the Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC).

In 1999, Jane was awarded Teacher of the Year at USC Upstate and in 2011 the Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) Award for Outstanding Exhibition and Catalogue of Historical Materials for Andy Warhol; The Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy Project. An avid traveler, Jane created the USC Upstate Study Abroad program to Italy in 1998 and served as director through 2011.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

While living in South Carolina is affordable, with comfortable weather and beautiful landscape, there have been few opportunities for artists and designers to present and exhibit their work. As a young designer, I traveled to NYC and Atlanta seeking representation for my designs and a broader market attuned to forward and progressive design ideas. As time has passed technology has made it possible to promote work online, share images electronically, and broadened local exposure to global exposure.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support local and regional artist and designers. Purchase original and unique works as opposed to reproductions. Consider getting started by collecting student work, that may be more affordable, and work your way up to more established artists. Attend gallery openings and visit museums. Get to know artists in your area and show your interest in what they create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janenodinejewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janenodinejewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janenodinejewelry
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-allen-nodine-335b3916/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneNodine

Image Credits
All photos property of Jane Nodine