For over a century, our region has been home to extraordinary artists. Local Arts Index highlights the work of individuals who continue our community’s rich creative legacy.

Meet Jamey Jackson.

How Did You Become an Artist?

I believe we all enter this world as artists, with the innate abilities to imagine and create. I had the great fortune of encouragement during my childhood. My parents recognized my attraction to making marks at an early age, and fully supported me. My first “exhibition” was when I was five.

I painted a large gumball machine on the side of our garage…in blacktop tar. Seeing the attention my installation garnered, it was clear, what path I wanted to follow. Later, I studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus Ohio, and today, I continue my studies as a perpetual artist-in-training.

What Kind of Art Do You Make?

I’m a visual artist – painting and drawing mostly. But I enjoy working with my hands in many mediums especially in sculpture and fabrication. Manipulating and combining found objects, forming clay, sawing wood… really any explorations in three-dimensional space fascinates me.

Growing up, I spent countless hours building with Legos and I was driven to always make my own Halloween costume. As it turns out, developing costumes and accessories is a big part of my career so, that’s pretty cool…

What’s Your Muse?

I find the natural world to be powerfully inspiring. I’ve always loved being outside, and many of my travels both near and far have been motivated by the opportunity to experience new environments.

To observe animals in their natural habitats, hike through forests, swim in the oceans, stare at the stars… Being able to express these encounters though my artwork, getting the viewer to feel some of that connection, brings me great joy and satisfaction. It’s also my way of paying respect to this amazing world that we are lucky to be a part of.

What’s Next?

In the immediate future, I will be participating in Art Walk 2015. I’ve been working on a new series of watercolors – mostly intimate portraits of wildlife that I’ve crossed paths with from as close as my backyard, to as far away as Antarctica. Additionally, I will continue to learn and grow with the Nyack Art Collective, contributing and connecting with the community, near and far.

To see more of Jamey’s work visit jameyjackson.com

Local Arts Index is sponsored by Maria Luisa, 77 South Broadway and ML by Maria Luisa, 75 South Broadway, Nyack, NY