After a considerable period of prayerful discernment, I have some news to share... Leaving religious life and beginning again...

In 2024 a school in Auckland, New Zealand got in touch with a request display the Books of the Bible Windows artwork in their library. The original digital stained glass artwork was created as an educational resource, and I hoped it would spread far and wide. It certainly has, and I was also delighted by this new request. With some negotiation, I worked with a local printer to choose the best film to print the artwork onto. Through this process, mock-ups were created, reviewe

"Tukua kia tū, takitahi nga whetū o te rangi - Let each star in the sky shine its own light." As I began this 2024 school year, the high school I am on counselling placement had printed this whakataukī (proverb) on the mass booklet. It resonated strongly with me. So, with the wee bit of time I have in the evening after study I worked away on this over a few months as a way of saying thank you to the school. As St Mary MacKillop said, "gratitude is the memory of the heart." Co

I was recently asked to create an image of St Ignatius of Loyola for his upcoming feast day (31 July). He certainly is one of the great Saints in many ways. Something that always strikes me is his extraordinary conversion after this accident. I pray the examen daily and am reminded that Ignatian spirituality invites us through imagination into beauty in many ways. When reflecting on an image, I recently learned a word "acatamiento" that describes his relationship with God—bas

At this time of the liturgical year I hope this work in progress illustration brings connection and inspires new life. Counselling study is certainly keeping me very busy (and grateful). Because of this, I haven't had much time for drawing. But, along with this image, I have just sent out the latest Connection email. It's full of transformative links, be sure to check out #34 via the Connection page. ~ Jane

Recently I was asked to write a refection focusing on Zero Discrimination day. When writing the reflection I was inspired to create a modern interpretation of the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus... ---- Zero Discrimination is observed by the United Nations every year on March 1. This day celebrates the right of every person to live fully and productively with dignity. As the official website states: “Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to

Recently I was changed through an encounter with a newborn baby. As the wee darling grabbed my finger, it felt like all the cares and stresses of the world just melted away—a moment of connection and pure beauty. Now, as I have been reflecting on Christmas, it struck me that Jesus would have reached out and grabbed Mary or Joseph's finger too. What precious moments they must have shared as his full humanity and divinity broke through into the world. For this new piece, I have

Creating a series of new custom illustrations in early 2023 for Jesuit Communications in Australia was a pleasure. The book is in the process of printing, and you're welcome to discover more about the project and order your copy here: https://www.designjane.com/finding-gods-traces

Aroha mai Aroha atu. New etching illustration of Mary, or woman of faith in a New Zealand context. Discover more...

Over the past two months, I have been working on a new illustration project for a fantastic book. When the book is released, I'll share the images. For now, as we begin a new year, I hope the links on the new Connection email enliven your inbox with beauty, goodness and truth. View all the Connection emails and sign up here: https://www.designjane.com/connection ~ Jane