We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Fontana a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
In my pursuit of building mastery in my mixed media art practice, I’ve embraced my distinctive path. I do this through consistently drawing inspiration from the endless wonders life provides, especially human nature, emotions, the subconscious, and child-like curiosity. I am guided through these themes by a variety of artistic techniques, especially that of surrealist automatism. Learning has also been a core theme of my practice, with a commitment to experimentation and stepping outside of my artistic comfort zone, I always striving to push my work to a place I didn’t know existed. Exploring drawing, painting, photography, printmaking (cyanotype, Linocut, screen-printing, risograph, etc.), writing, and much more has been crucial in understanding the unique limitations and possibilities of each medium. Furthermore, merging these mediums with one another in my practice has allowed me the opportunity to see more possibilities and indulge in the sensory exploration I value deeply in my craft.
For anyone interested in me or my work, be it creative directors, galleries, or those seeking commissioned pieces, what I offer is not just visual art but a narrative of continuous exploration and learning. My collaborative workflow prioritizes mindfulness and multiple perspectives, and a space where the unconventional is embraced, challenges are welcomed, and the beauty lies in the ongoing process of discovery.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I would consider myself to be a passionate, queer, multi-disciplined creative who values mental and emotional well-being for all. Art, to me, is more than a craft—it’s a safe space and my journey into illustration and fine art began as a form of therapy, providing needed solace during difficult times. Loving life and all it has to offer after doubting my own survival is without a doubt my proudest achievement and I hope to inspire a similar perseverance in others throughout my life and career.
As a professional I am currently pursuing teaching as a primary career while also accepting commission and gallery work, freelance illustration, and animation services. I always aim to tackle creative challenges in a way that ensures everyone involved takes pride in the end result and has their perspectives heard and implemented throughout the process. My commitment to experimentation and creating authentic work also helps me ensure that the work being delivered is unique and stands apart from the conventional. At the end of the day I’d want potential clients and followers to know that I’m an unwaveringly hard worker who loves challenges, thrives in an experimental and challenging work environment, prioritizes mental health above all, and is a passionate individual with a big heart.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, it’s all about the process. Witnessing something materialize in real-time from my mind and body, or another artist’s, is incredibly rewarding. Believing strongly in fate, I find a unique power in how the universe guides an artist to that exact creative moment, embodying their journey. Even when it doesn’t feel that way, there’s something so special to be found when reflecting on and engaging with it. Also embracing the knowledge of the care, attention, time, and physical effort invested in the project once it’s finished makes it even more of a profound experience that is unique to those who were involved in it. There’s nothing quite like the process and finding that special unique creative flow, to me, signifies the presence of pure creative resilience.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a deep-seated goal to create immersive spaces, primarily within gallery settings, where viewers are prompted to slow down and engage more fully with the multifaceted essence of art. Through my work, I aim to inspire mindfulness, encouraging individuals to engage in the exploration of their own thoughts, feelings, and biases, as well as those of others. It’s a mission to foster an environment that transcends the ordinary art-viewing experience, promoting a deeper connection between the observer and the artistic narrative.
Furthermore, as my following grows, I aspire to leverage it for mental health activism and related donation campaigns. I firmly believe that mental health is an integral aspect of our collective human experience, yet it often lacks the intense engagement it deserves within society. My hope is to use my future platform to raise awareness, initiate conversations, and contribute to causes that address the vital intersection of art and mental well-being.
Finally, my goals also include teaching and inspiring emerging artists, guiding them to embrace their authentic voice and discover deep joy in their individual creative processes and works.
It’s not just about making art; it’s about fostering a community where creatives authentically express themselves and find fulfillment in their artistic endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamie-fontana.com/
- Instagram: @creativestarvation