Becoming Jane
Interview by John Vitale
An up-close interview with Jane Pearson of Tapteil Winery, whose paintings portray the essence of life on Tapteil Vineyard
How would you describe the theme behind your art?
When I married Larry and moved to Tapteil Vineyard here on Red Mountain in 2004, he encouraged me to take time to pursue my own art. We live and breathe wine, so naturally, the making and enjoyment of it and the lifestyle that surrounds it are the basis for my work.
What is your favorite medium?
Acrylic, but there have been years that I have focused on my sculpture and jewelry. I’m an avid photographer as well.
When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?
It sounds silly, but early in my teens I had a dream that was very realistic. In that dream, I was sitting on top of our family’s garage painting the landscape before me. There are no artists in my family and I grew up in a very small farming community in Ohio, so I had no exposure to the art scene. I was painting with such ease and confidence in the dream I was convinced that I could do the same in real life.
How did your paintings end up on Tapteil wine labels?
In 2005, we were about to release our first Syrah from our Spilya Vineyard, Yakima Valley and our Syrah/Cabernet Franc blend, Red Mountain. Larry suggested we use Wine Soiree’ on the labels and the artist series began. I had completed a second painting, The Hat Party, and when it was time to bottle the 2006 Syrah, it seemed natural to feature that on the new label. You’ll see Tapteil Harvest on the new 2007 Syrah, and away we go!
Where do you draw inspiration?
All I have to do is open my eyes each morning. We are fortunate to live on a vineyard in a stunningly beautiful place. I guess the inspiration is that I get to be a part of it. My husband had a vision and found a way to create his dream; he’d be the first to say, “with a lot of help from friends and family.” Now he and I work together on our dream, still with a lot of help from friends and family. I could paint for a hundred years and not be able to capture all that goes on around me.
What past experience prepared you for the wine business?
I used to do a lot of theater; I’ve performed in over 15 plays and directed several more. It is a great background for a winery person, all that coordinating, music selection, set building and creating an experience for the theatergoer. Now I live the “show,” it is all around me everyday—and it is heaven.
What’s it like living on a vineyard?
The whole place is like a blank palette…flowers to be planted, parties to plan, photo opportunities galore, food to prepare, paintings to be painted. It’s cooking, gardening, photography and theater all at once, all passions of mine and all shared with the man of my dreams.
What are your favorite creative outlets?
I love to garden, which for me is like painting. It pretty much takes over all of my creative time in the summer. I adore foreign films and I’m learning Spanish.
How did you meet your husband/winemaker Larry Tapteil?
His sister, Jacquie, and I had been friends for years, and she often talked about a vineyard that her brother owned. In 2001, Jacquie invited me to cross the mountains to come to the first Tapteil Catch the Crush weekend with her. When the date finally approached, I had another engagement, but felt I had to go as promised. I had no idea when I walked through the door and was introduced to Larry that I would fall in love on the spot. He literally had me at Hello! I stayed the whole weekend and canceled my other date.
