Atelier & Commissions

Meet Jac Scott

“Art is the chorus for waking and the drug for sleeplessness.”  Jac Scott

Jac Scott MRSS is a multi-award winning visual artist with an international exhibition portfolio and a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors since 2006. 

Personal Statement

Art is my backbone, my solace and salvation. Having art as a lifelong friend means that I am never lonely nor wondering what to do – its always there when I need it, craving attention. I didn’t have the courage to go to art college until I was in my twenties, but this did mean that I really valued the gift of time I gave myself to immerse my life in art. The day I arrived at art college I knew I was home.

I have always drawn and painted – it felt essential, even from a young age, to get some visual meaning on paper. As a student I supplemented my student grant by selling pictures in local galleries. For my sculptural work, drawing and painting formed an important part of my research, and since 2008 it has become my main preoccupation. The banking crisis in that year created a challenging dynamic in funding for my issue based work on environmental issues  (you can see a small sample of my old sculptural work in the archive pages). So I examined my skill set and developed a new way of working in partnership with my designer/maker husband Michael Slaney, creating our own company – Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery.

Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery

For over 11 years,  Jac Scott and Michael Slaney ran their own art gallery in north Norfolk.  Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery started at Creake Abbey, near Burnham Market, in 2014, where they built a thriving creative business with Jac focussing on contemporary art and Michael creating dynamic lights made from antiques. After 5 years, the couple expanded to the centre of Holt where the company continued to flourish: 5 years at 33 High Street and then at 9 Fish Hill.

After 11 years of enjoying the bustle of a bricks and mortar gallery, it was time to change as Michael’s health declined.

Commissions

Jac Scott has been working to commission for over 30 years. Whether you are private or corporate clients, she will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.

Here's a small sample of some of the commissions.

A Series of 6 Giant Bird Drawings

Mr H. wanted a collection of large pictures to adorn the walls of his spiralling staircase. Each was to feature a game bird. Together, the client and Jac devised a series of black and white studies with bold colourful backgrounds that matched the existing vibrant colour scheme of Mr H.'s home.

On receiving the collection Mr H. said: "I am delighted - they look phenomenal!"

A Partner Painting for Mimosa Sunday.

Mrs S. purchased one of Jac's small Being Home Collection paintings and commissioned a partner to form a complimentary set for her kitchen.

On receiving her painting the client sent this message:

"It’s PERFECT and even better than I’d imagined. It’s totally cheered me up on this very wet, gloomy dark day."

Drawing a Giant Magpie Feather

Mr & Mrs G. wanted an original drawing of a magpie feather as a present for their son's birthday. First, Jac sourced a pair of magpie wings and identified 2 feathers that might work well. The clients selected their favourite and then scaling up of the feather began. Here is the result at over 1 metre long.

Painting -  Sprout Stem on a Plate

Ms. H was tickled by the idea of having a stem of sprouts painted on a vintage plate to add to her already extensive Plated Collection. Finding the right plate was key, so after a lengthy search by Jac, the right one was identified by the client. Here is the result.

Ms. H. said "Wow! This one is now my favourite."

 Autumn Flight Oil Painting

Mr A. finds that he is homesick sometimes for his beloved Norfolk, so he commissioned Jac to paint a typical scene of the marsh with geese flying overhead. Seeing the result he said,

" The painting has arrived and it is beautiful! It evokes so many happy memories. Many thanks. I can't wait to be in N Norfolk again."

Heavenly Chocolate Paintings on Antique Plates for Master Chocolatiers Hunters of Holt Shop

For their new shop, the Hunters wanted something special for their windows, so asking Jac to capture the deliciousness of their signature chocolates in oils was a treat.

This commission was both a delight and a torture.

"Painting 6 giant chocolates on antique cake plates was fun as long as I didn't smell them".

Jelly Paintings for Mrs B.

Three paintings of old fashioned jellies were requested to be painted on antique cake plates. 

The commission involved sourcing some Victorian jelly moulds, making the jellies and then painting them before they dissolved.

The jelly paintings now hang in a kitchen on a wallpaper depicting jellies and cakes - what fun!

Encaustic Painting for Mr & Mrs D

The clients wanted a dark, dynamic storm painting of a particular size, so Jac painted Rain Dance 2.

Rain Dance 2 drying in the studio before going to the framers.

Drawing Bayfield Hall

Mr & Mrs C. of Bayfield Hall commissioned Jac to do a large drawing of the estate from a particular perspective. It was a surprise present for their son who runs the estate.

The clients were delighted with the result.

Drawing Congham Hall

Owners of Congham Hall commissioned a drawing of the Hall for a wedding present to themselves with smaller print versions framed for guests.