The Tangled Web of Connection: Jason Fairchild on Relationships, Art, and the Human Experience

Interview with Jason Fairchild

1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

My art journey has always been about exploring the human condition, and a significant part of that exploration revolves around the intricate dynamics of relationships. Initially, I worked with more traditional forms, but I felt compelled to move towards a more expressive and layered approach to capture the complexities of human connection. This led me to experiment with mixed media and abstraction, which allows me to delve into the emotional nuances and unspoken tensions that define our interactions.

2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.

My days are a mix of intense studio work and quiet reflection. I often begin by revisiting past pieces, analyzing how I've portrayed the emotional landscapes of relationships. Studio time is devoted to translating these observations onto the canvas, exploring the push and pull, the harmony and discord that characterize human connection. I also spend time researching and contemplating the nature of relationships, drawing inspiration from literature, film, and personal experiences.

3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

The central theme in my work is the exploration of relationships – romantic, platonic, familial, and even the relationship we have with ourselves. I'm fascinated by the way we navigate the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations that come with connecting with others. My inspiration comes from observing these interactions, from the subtle gestures and unspoken emotions that reveal the underlying dynamics. The painting you see, with its layered textures and fragmented imagery, reflects the complex and often messy nature of relationships, capturing both the beauty and the challenges of connection.

4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

My art life has profoundly shaped my understanding of human interaction. It's made me more empathetic, more attuned to the emotional nuances in my own relationships. It's also taught me the importance of vulnerability and honesty, both in my art and in my personal life. The process of creating art about relationships has become a form of self-reflection, allowing me to better understand my own patterns and behaviors.

5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

Navigating the complexities of relationships has been a significant challenge in my life. Like many, I've experienced heartbreak, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain healthy connections. Art has become a way for me to process these experiences, to explore the pain and find a sense of resolution. It's a form of catharsis, allowing me to transform personal struggles into something meaningful and relatable.

6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

My best experience was when someone shared with me how deeply my work resonated with their own experiences in relationships. It was a powerful reminder that art can be a bridge, connecting us through shared emotions and experiences.

7. Share your worst experience in the art world.

The worst experience was dealing with a gallery that dismissed my work as "too personal." It felt like they were rejecting not just my art, but a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

8. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

My advice would be to be honest in your work, to explore the themes that are meaningful to you, even if they are vulnerable or challenging. Don't be afraid to delve into the complexities of human relationships, to capture the beauty and the pain, the joy and the sorrow.

9. Is the artist's life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

The artist's life can be solitary, but it doesn't have to be lonely. For me, creating art about relationships is a way of connecting with others, even in solitude. It's a way of sharing my own experiences and inviting viewers to reflect on their own.

10. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?

I'm currently working on a series that explores the dynamics of power and vulnerability in relationships, using a combination of figurative and abstract elements. 

Website : Fairchild.art