ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
JASON CHOW
WITH A BACKGROUND IN SPATIAL AND URBAN DESIGN , UNDERPINNED WITH SELF-TAUGHT GRAPHICS AND A DEEP ROOTED PASSION FOR BUILDINGS , JASON CHOW HAS MADE THE IMPRESSIVE MOVE FROM ARCHITECTURAL GRAND PLANS TO STRIKING DIGITAL ILLUSTRATIONS ; DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL AND NATURAL BEAUTY OF KENT AND BEYOND .
When did you realise you wanted to become an artist ?
Honestly , for as long as I can remember ! I have always loved drawing and designing and used to draw a lot when I was younger . When I was in primary school , I really looked forward to art and design lessons , and my teachers noticed I had a creative flair which I was proud of ! I went to University of the Arts , London to do a bachelors degree in Spatial Design and topped it up with a Masters in Urban Design at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury . After graduating , I struggled to find employment in the creative industry , however I am enjoying my time drawing in the comfort of my home . I am a self-taught graphics designer as I didn ’ t really have much experience in that part of the industry , and I must say , I really enjoy it and love being a one man band running my small business !
How do you manage to capture the spirit of the buildings and landscapes you illustrate ?
The landscapes and architecture in Britain is truly phenomenal as it has a wide range of different styles and aesthetics , and is full of personality ! I find that capturing buildings and landscapes requires an eye for detail , seeking small but important things that other people might not notice .
Tell us a little about your process , from the conception of an idea to the final product ?
During my walks , I am always on the lookout for buildings and landscapes that catch my attention . I take many photos from different angles and perspectives , and occasionally sketch it out in my small notebook there and then . Meanwhile , the photos that I take allow me to draw out more details when I get home . I love travelling and fully immersing myself in the surroundings , whether it be urbanised or natural landscapes . I then explore the area a bit more and use the trusty camera on my smartphone to capture places that I would love to see digitally drawn up . I believe that when you are physically there to see the subject yourself , it unlocks more knowledge and ideas .
How have you and your art adapted to and been influenced by the rapidly changing world we now live in ?
During the second lockdown , I had more time on my hands so explored different methods of utilising my passion and creativity . I became interested in location and travel prints ! I used previous pictures that I had taken , starting by drawing them up digitally and then adding colours to them . Lockdown meant that I couldn ’ t travel as much as usual , so I started doing commission work . This meant I was able to create bespoke digital images for people from a single reference image .
Where can we see your work ?
You can see my work on instagram @ printsjason and Etsy www . etsy . com / uk / shop / PrintsJasonDesigns , my new website will be launched very soon .
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