A Maritimer by birth and in spirit, Janet Crawford has been involved in the arts in one form or another since high school. She navigated through those difficult teenage years with the discovery of filmmaking, drawn to the medium’s ability to tell a story.

This led her to complete the three-year Fine Arts programme at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Surrounded by like-minded artists, she excelled in breaking out of her close knit, narrow Maritime community and discovered a larger world … one of possibilities and options for telling stories.

Janet is easily seduced into new art forms and consequently has touched upon many different forms of expression. Besides her background in film and video, she has tried to develop her skill as a painter.

“I have always been drawn to the landscape of my surroundings. Nature encourages me to engage, but it also calms me and allows me to reflect. I am continually seeking to try and render the scene or my response to the scene.”

Over the past ten years Janet has been deeply involved in exploring the world of mosaics. The blending of glass and light, shape and texture, has occupied the majority of her creative output.

“Mosaics encompass so many different materials and techniques. I never ever feel completely ‘at home.’ There is always something new to discover. I thrive on this.”

But the one constant in Janet’s creative development has always been music. From piano lessons as a young child to singing folk anthems around the kitchen table—music has always been the base from which everything else is built.

“Music has been my best friend since I was six years old. I grew up with a little transistor radio plastered to my ear. The soundtrack of my life is recorded by the popular music of the time.

By the time she was in high school her tastes had expanded to enjoy jazz and classical music. By college she was writing songs. Eventually Janet was invited to perform with some of the best musicians in the region.

“The Maritimes has produced so many amazing musicians in every genre. While remarkably accomplished, they are also nurturing and encouraging. I have been the fortunate recipient of that kindness, and for that, I am very grateful.”

Janet’s professional career has been centered around a small business she started in 1984 and continues to operate today. Fog Forest Gallery is a private art gallery representing Canadian artists and artisans as well as offering custom picture framing. Exhibitions feature original artworks in solo, group, and themed exhibition throughout the year.

Janet reflects on the richness of her life and all the opportunities she has had over the years.

“Running the Gallery and raising my family, I always felt like I was only uncovering half of what I needed in order to really excel. So, consequently, I don’t feel very accomplished at anything! And you know … that’s ok. I know that I’m not a good painter … and that’s ok. I’m not a very strong songwriter either. And that’s ok, too. I do all these things because I love to do them. They bring me peace and a little excitement. I feel good when I’m working on these projects. They give me purpose and enjoyment. My creative work has given me a very good life. Its helped me tell my story. That’s all I need.”