Featured Artist: Jacob Eveland

Jacob EvEland is a vcU sEnior whosE ability to create collaboration between nature, animals and antiques gives his artwork a very unique and beautiful look. Jacob was nice enough to answer some questions about his work and what he plans on portraying to the public through art.

What are your inspirations for your art?

For this body of work, my inspiration comes from growing up in Lebanon, Ill. I spent a lot of time in grandma’s attic and my grandparent’s antique shop. My experiences and observations there have had a great impact on my art. I frequently mesh antiquity with modern concepts providing the viewer a glimpse of the past which reaches into the future. Much of my work reflects a strong love for animals and nature. This appreciation was the result of having a home full of pets during my childhood. I lived in the country with fields, gardens, woods and a pond to explore right outside my door. I like to reflect my appreciation for antiques and history, along with a respect and awe of nature in my work. This body of work is a reflection of what brings me comfort and happiness.

What would you say your creative process entails when making an art piece?

Initially, I dream up a way to express an idea or object that is typical in an atypical light. I find the process of creating something unique to be very therapeutic. It’s an expression of who I am and reflects my perspective on life.

I tend to write up a list of items I want to incorporate in the piece and I then draw small thumbnail sketches next to each word. Then, I do research to get a better understanding of the items I’ve chosen to depict. At this point, I take notes while doing the research. I then enhance the process by drawing larger thumbnail sketches with which to build my composition from. I do my best to make the work flow and be cohesive.

Do you have any big projects coming up?

I’m working on an independent study based on the world of illegal drug smuggling. I interviewed people who have retired from the game, and am in the process of making a series of works based on their stories. I hope to display my finished work in a gallery show this coming fall. As our society has greatly been impacted by illegal drug use and dealing, I feel this body of work will educate and have impact.

This May I will be visiting to my home town of Lebanon, Ill. for the summer. I will be working on a commission to paint a mural on a two story, turn-of-the-century building in the Lebanon shopping district. The mural will add interest to the centuries old downtown area. It will be a representation of my personal art while reflecting the rich history of the area. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of creating such a large body of work. It is quite an honor to be able to share my passion for art with the locals and tourists in the town I grew up in.

What is your preferred medium?

I prefer ink at this point in time, but I have used brushes and microns. I find drawing with ink to be the most therapeutic and gratifying out of the different mediums I use.

Do you have any message you try to portray through your artwork?

This series of work was created to illustrate a book I’ve written. It’s somewhat autobiographical, depicting memories from my childhood. I want to encourage respect and appreciation for nature while commemorating the past. I’m a firm believer in technology and progress; however, I believe we shouldn’t forget where we came from. We won’t exist without nature and protecting the environment and common everyday tools and items from the past have led us to where we are today. I just want to reflect the importance of both nature and history and show in an aesthetic way how they intertwine. Of course, I always hope that my works will inspire and entertain.

Any advice for fellow artists?

Use your art as a means of stimulating communication; always be observant and pay minute attention to detail. It will give you a bounty of images to draw from when creating a piece. A lot of people tell me their life has been dull and boring, so they feel they don’t have any dynamic experiences to base their art on. I tell them they just need to look hard enough at their past and find their inspiration and build on it. This process will take them farther than they expect. I suggest young artists get in touch with their imagination and regress to their child-like wonder of life. So much can be gained by revisiting this pristine state of mind. In summary, don’t watch life, live it! Reflect on what you’ve learned in your art.

BY EMILY EASON