Jean Kares

Jean Kares is an independent scholar, textile specialist, artist and writer. She holds a BA in Studio Art from Western Washington University and a MFA in Asian Art with a focus on China from the University of British Columbia. She has previously taught Chinese art history for Langara College Continuing Studies, been a tai chi instructor for nearly a decade, writes articles for Studio magazine and studies Mandarin.

She owned and operated a fibre art studio-gallery in Vancouver for over 20 years and taught many short courses in textile techniques. Much of her personal artwork is informed by Asian art and aesthetics, with an emphasis on indigo dye and Japanese textile-patterning techniques.

Her teaching interests in Chinese art range from ancient tombs to contemporary art, with a particular fondness for the Song and early Qing dynasties, Daoism, and China’s rich textile history. Kares has traveled to Asia several times, most recently touring the western portion of the Chinese Silk Road route.