LUKE JACKSON - INTERVIEW

Where did you grow up and education?

I grew up in the city and also county towns in Victoria. My education didn't go past year 11, but life is learning.

What attracted you to the world of Art?

Art itself and music. That’s so important. Art and music go hand in hand. And the artists and musicians themselves.

They are the heart and soul behind art and music.

When did your artistic passion begin?

From as early as I remember.

There were artists in my family and also family friends, so art was always around me growing up.

Have you always wanted to be an artist?

In my teens I discovered the possibility of a career in art, yet I didn’t follow that option early on.

I dabbled in writing for a time as a young adult. I started painting about 5 years ago and knew instantly. This is my art life.

Describe your work?

It is abstract for sure. But I would also say sensitive, obtuse, perhaps with an unfinished quality. Emotional, reflective, sometimes fine, perhaps capturing and celebrating moments of life, my observations non objectively. Also I'm left feeling relieved, attaining a personal acceptance of intimate concepts via the subjects I paint.

What is the philosophy behind your work?

To improve and reveal.

Portrait - Study

Asylum Notes Mixed medium Luke Jackson.

Do you have a set method / routine of working?

Yes I do. Quite a few.

Why do you choose this material / medium to work with?

I love colour, shade, light, tone and contrast. I use acrylics, oils, pencils, pastels, and believe it or not, even kitchen utensils or household items. I remember once using a broom, a sneaker and toothpicks in the one session. Why? I don't ask that question.

How important is drawing as an element to your artwork?

Extremely important yet often it's is not directly part of the work or integral to the process, say with acrylic.

What inspires your work / creations?

So many different people and books, mostly autobiographical and some fiction and fantasy, and dreams! Dream imagery especially the first woken moments after sleep. Romance is not really part of the inspiration. Injustice in our society, misunderstood experiences, social change.

Not often extremes, but rather the misperception of extremes in daily life.

What have been the major influences on your work?

A short period of imprisonment in Malaysia.

The birth of our daughter Stella.

Post traumatic stress disorder.

Most genres in music especially Mongolian folk.

A short dalliance with drugs and addiction (both illicit and prescription), and subsequent successful self - detox overseas in a Buddhist monastery.

Friendships, death, and perception of “the space”.

My observations wherever I am at any given time.

What are some of your favourite artworks and artists?

The album cover to David Bowie album Diamond dogs.

Earliest influence was The stained glass ceiling at NGV Melbourne.

A charcoal sketch of a coffee table by close friend now deceased.

Michelangelo’s self portraits.

Early Mayan gold artifacts.

Eastern European jewellery designs from early 1900s.

The work of living artists today whom I discover and often enjoy such as paintings by Lottie Consalvos. I think I met her once in my teens. Leise Knowles, an indigenous Surrealist Artist in WA.

Natalie Wijeyeratni’s art is an amazing go to for abstract inspiration.

Thai resident Robin Gillow’s many styles, and a friend Josephine Leeder, a fellow abstract artist.

My favourite living artist is Jackie Kenna. She blows my mind each piece she eventually shares online or in art shows.

Any particular style or period that appeals?

There's too many to mention. But Now. Right Now.

What are the challenges in becoming an artist?

The convict mentality in some. Modern day carpetbaggers who unscrupulously take advantage, especially, of the emerging and naive. Given that I have had many positive experiences with galleries too.

Name your greatest achievement, exhibitions?

Each and every exhibition I have had as it takes a lot of work and I learn and experience more.

How has the COVID 19 Virus affected your art practise?

Gave me more time to work.

What are you working on at present?

I paint every day and am working towards the next exhibition.

What do you hope viewers of your art works will feel and take with them?

That's completely a choice viewers can make!

Your future aspirations with your art?

I enjoy it so I will just keep going.

Forthcoming exhibitions?

I've declined a recent offer from a Shanghai owned Melbourne gallery. There will always be exhibitions in the near future elsewhere.

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Portrait Study -

Untitled

Drawing a mix of lead pencils charcoal and Texta Pens.

Left : LandscapeUntitled

Drawing a mix of lead pencils charcoal and Texta Pens.