The rustle of silk – a poem inspired by the work of Jane Waller

The rustle of silk


By Ruth Holroyd, May 2010

The lights dim, darkness fills the room.
As the curtains slowly rise,
shadows of bodies bloom,
like flowers reaching for the skies.

Ballerina dancing by Jane WallerThe rustle of silk
as movement takes hold.
Skin pale as milk
The dancers unfold.

An arm stretched wide
Toes pointed, legs taut
Seeming to glide
Muscles and sinews wrought

Sometimes slow with poise,
others lithe and joyful.
Moving in time without noise:
Fragile, beautiful and graceful.

Fluid traces fill the space.
The dancers are as one.
Moving with such grace.
A spider’s web is spun.

Their very souls entwine.
Rhythm and music flow.
Total symmetry, a winding vine;
Flowing, melding, all aglow.

Amazing, graceful statuesque,
like birds in formation together.
One final glorious arabesque;
landing like a feather.

A poem inspired by the art of Jane Waller

Ballerina life drawing – with Jane Waller

On Monday 1st October Jane Waller was invited to speak about how she draws ballet dancers in movement at Stewart Clough’s Life Drawing class in Longwick.
Jane Waller drawing ballet dancer in Longwick
In a packed hall a beatifully elegant ballet dancer Aisling Longshaw performed various different pieces, first at normal speed, then slower, and then holding poses so we could all have a go at capturing both the movement, symmetry and lines of the body.

Drawing anything or anyone when they are moving is no mean feat. Jane had tips and suggestions for the group of how to stand back and free up your arm and hands to move with the movement of the dancer.

When you’re used to drawing things that aren’t moving this is an art in itself. Jane is used to drawing dancers in motion.

Add the movement to the fact that when Jane draws her dancer drawings she is in almost total darkness at a live ballet performance.

Drawing ballet dancer in motionIt was quite amazing to walk around afterwards and admire the varied work produced by everyone in the group.

Noone had drawn exactly the same thing, everyone had their own version, style and depiction of the movements.

A real challenge for the whole group.

Stewart is hoping to run another session in the near future with a ballet dancer because this one was so popular, fun and successful. Details to follow as soon as we know a date.

To find out more about Stewart Clough’s Life Drawing classes visit www.stewartclough.com, email art@stewartclough.com or phone 07901 517396

To read comments from some of the artists who attended this evening read Stewart’s blog ‘Life Drawing with ballerina Aisling Longshaw’.

Dancer drawings at Waddesdon artists & makers event 10-11 May 2014

Jane took part in a recent artists and makers event at The Waddesdon Plant centre earlier this year in November 2013 and loved it so much she’ll be  going back on 10-11 May 2014.

Jane Waller at Waddesdon Plant Centre artists and makers event May 2012
Jane talking to an interested customer at Waddesdon Plant Centre artists and makers event May 2012

This event is jam packed full of artists from painters, ceramacists, jewellery makers, printers, sculptors etc.

It takes place in one of Waddesdon’s huge greenhouses, which just fills the space with an amazing light.

There is plenty of parking and absolutely loads to see. It opens at 10.30am and closes at 4.30pm each day. Why not visit the majestic Waddesdon Manor at the same time?

Come and visit Jane and all the other artists and stock up on presents for family and friends.

What better gift than a unique, bespoke piece of art created by someone you’ve met.

So if you know anyone who loves ballet or dancing, snap up one of her special ‘dancer in movement’ drawings.

To find out more about this event visit www.sallyevansevents.co.uk