We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.

Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I was born & raised in Scotland & trained as a structural geologist. I worked in mineral exploration around the world, settling in Vancouver in 2004. I took evening art classes at Emily Carr University, which kick-started art as a hobby. When I was laid-off during an industry slump in 2013, I thought “if not now, then when?” & transitioned to a full-time art practice.

I got a copy of “Artist Survival Guide” by Chris Tyrell and basically followed everything it said. Additionally, I applied to every opportunity out there & travelled about a fair bit. Since 2014, I have exhibited over 25 solo shows in public galleries across BC and Alberta in Canada, together with Washington State in the US.

Over the years, I have received a number of awards, including Finalist in the inaugural Saltspring National Art Prize, appeared in the 2020 “Landscape Artist of the Year Canada” TV show, and received two Downtown Eastside Small Arts Grants from the Vancouver Foundation. I have completed several art residencies, including the Cassiar Cannery outside Prince Rupert, BC, the Booth in Shetland, Scotland and the Wallace Stegner House in Eastend, Saskatchewan.

On the back of my public exhibition catalogue, I managed to achieve commercial representation at Gray Sky Gallery (Seattle, WA), Hambleton Galleries (Kelowna, BC), Kube Gallery (Fort Langley, BC), Lipont Gallery (Richmond Gallery) and North Van Arts (North Vancouver, BC)

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As indicated, I was working at an engineering Company, and painting on the side, but the industry took a downturn & I was laid-off. I was painting pretty seriously at that point & had the resources to try painting full-time. I was full-time for a little under ten years before receiving an offer to return part-time to industry. These days, I am lucky enough to be able to split my time between the studio and professional practice.

I produce original acrylic paintings across a range of distinct themes, specifically urban landscape, neon signage, junk food and marine traffic. These choices are deliberate, combining personal choice & market response. Within these specific subjects, the work features a bold palette and unusual compositional choices. Together, these choices result in acrylic paintings that are very striking and easily identifiable as my work, which seems to be an important feature for any commercially successful visual artist.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was laid-off from a full-time job at an engineering company during an industry slump in 2013. I had been painting seriously on the side, and while I can’t retire, I am not one payment away from losing the house. I thought “if not now, then when?” & transitioned to a full-time art practice. I took a a 90% pay cut in this transition, and after almost ten years full-time painting, I now split my time between studio and professional work. Not an easy balance, but one which gives me flexibility and a meaningful work-life balance.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I have tried to approach my creative practice as a job. I keep regular hours in the studio, post on social media routinely, and try to maintain a good professional working relationship with commercial galleries.

There is an old saying that “inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just turn up & paint”. I think that attitude has allowed me to create a reputation as a reliable partner for galleries, private clients and promoters, allowing me to take advantage of lucky breaks when they occur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jefwilsonart.org
• Instagram: jeffwilsonart
• Facebook: jeffwilsonart
• Twitter: jeffwilsonart.bsky.social‬
• Other: Tiktok @jeffwilsonart

Image Credits
Rennie Brown (headshot) Jeff Wilson (all other pics)