Jane Crosbie had her first
sell-out art exhibition at age 7.
Her father hosted a party, inviting friends to view her art. Jane displayed her work on the dining table. It sold faster than she could blink.
Decades later, Jane's husband Phil earned two international awards as a stainless steel craftsman. In 1994, they were invited to join a business delegation to Japan led by Sir Barry Curtis. In 1996, they were chosen to represent New Zealand at the Dubai World Trade Fair. Worried his sculptures seemed too cold, Phil asked Jane to complement them with her vibrant paintings. As a result of Janes paintings being seen by an international audience, in 1998, they were invited to exhibit in the Middle East, with all costs covered by corporate sponsors keen to associate with their work. The exhibitions were prestigious, inaugurated by U.A.E. royal families.
Photo showing His Royal Highness Sheikh Hamdam Bin Rashid Al Maktoum cutting the ribbon officially opening Phil and Jane's Dubai exhibition..
Sheikh Hamdan, from the royal Al Maktoum family, was the Dubai Minister of Finance and brother to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler. Jane was commissioned by ANZ Grindlays to paint 50 of their top horses. After Dubai the exhibition was opened by the Al Nahyan family in Abu Dhabi. The royal families of the U.A.E. opening the exibitions highlighted their importance. It was a very prestigious honour for Phil and Jane to represent New Zealand to such an international audience.
In 1998 New Zealand artist Jane Crosbie made equine art history. Selected from artists all over the world Crosbie set a precedent by being the only artist ever chosen to represent the ANZ Grindlays Bank Group as their official Middle Eastern equine artist.
A remarkable achievement considering no other artist has received this honour. Jane Crosbie is the only official ANZ Grindlays Bank Group equine artist in the bank’s 100-year history. Discovered at the World Trade Fair in Dubai, Jane’s art soon gained attention. Her paintings won over the Middle Eastern public. Just days after her exhibition began, her fame reached ANZ Grindlays Bank's marketing team. Pat Maclaren, former marketing manager for ANZ Grindlays in the Middle East, noted: “Visitors at the World Trade Fair were amazed by this talented artist from New Zealand. Jane impressed both our staff and clients with the energy and beauty of her paintings. We wanted to know what made her art special among hundreds at the fair. We met Jane and, learning she would soon return to New Zealand, decided to sponsor her for more exhibitions in the Middle East. Public interest in her work was huge, so we started a series called 'Legends of the Turf.' Jane was asked to paint over 50 equine legends from Arabian and Thoroughbred breeds. In the competitive world of international banking – especially in the Middle East – Jane was already seen as a ‘great’ artist. By commissioning these exhibitions, we aimed to connect the banking, equine, and art worlds.”
Driven by creativity
Jane creates paintings that reflect her personality. She is an adventure artists who creates large, vibrant free, canvases that portray the world around her with positive energy. People who buy her work say they are attracted by the warmth and energy inherent in her work. That her works of timeless beauty uplift their mood, and enrich their environments with inspiration, making their homes and work places more vibrant and engaging. Jane’s work is loose and uninhibited, designed to resonate with your spirit, yet skillfully crafted to enhance your space.
