The daughter of an Irish vet, Jan Sweeney grew up in the open countryside of East Anglia, on the east coast of England.  Her early training was at Colchester Art School and she followed this with three years working in Verona, Italy, under sculptor Mike Noble. She first visited Africa in 1985 and the African scene and wildlife had a powerful influence on her work.

She now has her own workshop and foundry in Zimbabwe where she does her own casting. Jan divides her time between her lakeside cottage at Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe and her house in Somerset, England.  Her work, therefore, portrays the animals of the English countryside and the game of the African bush.  Horses are a particular love of this accomplished horsewoman who has competed successfully in both eventing and dressage.

Jan is a fellow of The Wildlife Arts Society as well as being a member of The South West Arts Group and an Associate Member of The Royal British Sculptors.  She is available to undertake bespoke commissions.