Bob Tilling, a very well known and respected artist in Jersey and the UK is the subject for my first charcoal drawing in quite a while. Bob is a great friend and someone who is a great supporter of the arts in Jersey. Go to ‘All Albums’ and then ‘Bob Tilling’ to see the drawing
Jason’s painting, ‘The Rubbish Bin Men’, has been accepted into the 2010 British Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The painting has been selected as the image for all of this years invitations.
To view the painting go to ‘All Albums’ and then ‘The Rubbish Bin Men’
Jason’s work was also accepted into the BP Award in 2002 & 2004.
The exhibition runs from 24th June until 17th September and then goes onto Aberdeen and Lincoln. To see this years shortlisted artists go to www.npg.org.uk.
Jason is a founding member of ‘Red Dot’, formed in October 2009 by six like-minded artists working in Jersey (Jason Butler, Nick Romeril, Theresa Robinson, Ian Rolls, Karen Le Roy Harris and Rod Bryans). Following a meeting held by The Jersey Arts Trust, it was felt artists could do more to promote the visual arts in Jersey, thereby helping other practitioners and the Arts Trust itself.
In November 2009 the first event was organized, ‘The Red Dot Art Sale’. This was held at The Grand Hotel and proved to be a great success. Nine artists were invited to exhibit alongside the Red Dot group, promoting themselves to the general public and selling their work. This was a one-off, one night only gig and was very well received by the massive amount of people who attended.
‘Red Dot presents Hamptonne’ was the most recent event. Hamptonne is a Jersey heritage site of great beauty. The juxtaposition of modern, contemporary work against an old setting was very exciting. The overall response form the general public was extremely positive, feeling they were challenged, intrigued and delighted by the work on display and the various performers. Nineteen artists in total exhibited. From jewellery to painting, performance to textiles and much more, it was a great show. We also had many of the best musicians and poets performing throughout the event, such as Chris Foley, Jersey Bob & Giles Robson. Everybody involved gave their time for free. Red Dot intends to hold an event such as this one on an annual basis.
‘Red Dot presents Hamptonne’ was kindly sponsored by The Jersey Arts Trust and Ernst & Young.
Look out for the forthcoming ‘Open Studios’ event in September/October 2010
From 20th November to 3rd December, Jason and the Mines Awareness Trust (MAT) Fundraising Coordinator, Sam Evans traveled to Rwanda to see the MAT de-mining projects in action.
This art project is being sponsored by HSBC Private Bank where it is hoped funds and important awareness will be raised about the effects of UXO’s on countries like Rwanda.
After the Genocide in 1994, Rwanda was left with 16 minefields that had a direct effect on civilians in Rwanda. Agriculture is the main source of employment so obviously land is the most important asset to the country. Not only have these minefields taken victims, they also created fear within communities. MAT is coming towards the completion of de-mining all 16 minefields.
The Mines Awareness Trust is an organisation that has been a part of the Mine Action world for the past 10 years. MAT has worked in Sri Lanka and Uganda and is currently working in The Sudan, Kosovo and Rwanda. MAT aims to clear mines in countries that are affected by war to allow communities to regain their livelihoods on the land they once lived on.
The aim is to exhibit exactly how the de-mining project works in Rwanda, the importance of it and the determination and ability of the de-miners. It is a way to celebrate the freedom of Rwanda and to document the ways in which the land is cleared of mines.
Drawing is integral to Jason’s practice specifically in the development of ideas and documenting events and experiences. Producing drawings ‘on the spot’ and responding to the circumstances and experiences at any given moment has particular appeal, not only in an artistic sense but also in how the drawings can communicate to a large audience.
The exhibition was shown in The Berni Gallery at the Jersey Arts centre 19th October-7th November 09. Kate Adie officially opened the exhibition.
Jason has a given a series of talks about the project to a number of institutions.
Painting accepted into The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition 2010
My painting of Rod McLoughlin has been accepted into the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition 2010. The exhibition will take place at The Mall Galleries in London, 1st-7th November 2010. To view the painting, go to ‘All Albums’ and then “Rod’ – Sunday Times Watercolour Competition