About the Artist

I am an artist who has worked in community and participatory arts since 1983 based in the City of Leicester in the East Midlands of the UK. I have worked with and for a wide variety of local community organisations and charities.

This website is designed to show work from all aspects of my creative practice. I have always created my own personal artwork but never exhibited any of it until my first exhibition of photographs in April 2023. This site provides an archive for my personal work alongside some of the many projects and commissions I have undertaken over the years. The sections will expand over time as I add more artwork and pages.

I have credited the commissioning organisations and project partners for all participatory work.

Photography:

This section shows a selection of my digital and film photographs as well as photograms and sun pictures. I use a wide variety of cameras from Digital SLRs to 35mm and 120 film, as well as pinhole cameras and photographic papers and cyanotypes for photograms.

The Photograms section displays work made entirely in the darkroom or created outdoors with sun sensitive cyanotype papers and fabrics.

The Workplaces section is dedicated to the spaces we work in and that remain after we move on.

The Ultra section compiles photographs created with fluorescent and luminous paints and powders and illuminated under Ultraviolet light.

Light Proofs Exhibition:

The Light Proofs section shows all the work from my first solo exhibition of photography, staged at Leicester Adult Education College in April 2023.

Artwork:

Paintings and drawings are taken from my work books and sketches and designs for commissioned work. I work with pencils, pen and ink and acrylics paints and paint pens and correction fluid pens.

The Knotwork section shows my Celtic knotwork drawings and paintings, including sketches showing some of the methods of construction involved.

The Stencil section displays spray painted artwork created using layers of handmade stencils.

Projects:

A section which features photographs, paintings and drawings of commissioned participatory artworks and other projects that I have worked on. Commissions and projects have come from a wide range of local arts organisations, mental health and other charities, community groups, trades unions and local businesses and individuals.

The Banner section shows a selection of hand painted banners designed for local trades unions, campaigns and community groups.

The Mural section includes large scale murals undertaken for The Bradgate Mental Health Unit in Leicester and other murals created in partnership with local schools, community organisations and charities.

Fireworks:

I have worked with fireworks, fire sculptures and pyrotechnics since 1983. The work includes sketches for displays and fire sculptures and photographs of fireworks and displays. Whilst I have taken some of the photographs in this section, many were taken by other people and I have attempted to credit these photographers where possible and will update the credits whenever I get new information.

As this website is designed to be an ever expanding archive, I will be adding new work including links to sound recordings from the various bands and music projects I have been involved in.

James Harvey Jackson

November 2024