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Jack Tierney

Jack Tierney studied fine art, painting, at Loughborough School of Art. He then went on to have a career as a professional graffiti artist and mural painter before concentrating on his studio practice.

What inspires your work as an artist?

Other artists, popular culture, and everyday life. My works become increasingly autobiographical, so everything from my past and present is often in there somewhere. Stupid conversations had around a table in the early hours, walking the dogs, graffiti, sports, the pub, relationships, still life and the landscapes and scenes of Bristol and Cornwall all play their part.

Who are your biggest influences?

Where to start! I’ve always been drawn to bold colour and simple forms, so I’d say fauvists like Matisse and Gauguin have had a heavy influence on my style. Hockney’s wonky perspectives, Bacons long drawn out shadows and the use of confined spaces, the folk art charm of Blake and the angular figures of Harlem Renaissance painter Jacob Lawrence, as well as contemporary painters like Adrian Ghenie, Henry Taylor, Tal R and Kerry James Marshall. Anyone who depicts the figure in a simple and interesting way really.

What does your work mean to you?

I always think the best paintings look like they were fun to make. I want my work to be playful, and to tell stories. The pursuit is trying to find new ways to depict the every day, so for me it’s an exploration of colour, form and texture and tone.

What techniques do you use?

My paintings are usually Acrylic and Oil, and they will sometimes contain an element of collage for added texture. I’ve also been working a lot on monotypes lately. The process really suits me, because you have a small time frame within to work before the paint dries, and every mark you place is final. You have to paint with confidence, and when you drag the painting through the screen it never comes out quite as you anticipated, but that’s exactly what I enjoy about it. The joy in the unknown. Or the ‘happy little accidents’ as the late great Bob Ross would say.

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