In conversation with JonJo Elliott
Let’s go JonJo! That’s all I’m going to write, I love those words. Let’s go JonJo! Let’s go JonJo! On a serious note, I’m so proud to have JonJo in our collection. His work is outstanding and sells here and in the US. Have a read, take a look and tell us what you think. It’s always nice to hear your thoughts.
Firstly how are you feeling today?
I'm actually feeling very positive at the moment, as usual. Lockdown has been a strange time but I think we're heading in the right direction now and it makes me happy. I've been very busy during the last few months in my studio and it's been a very productive time for me which always makes me feel better.
Has nature helped you heal in lockdown?
Nature always helps me and I'm the sort of person who'll stop to look at a plant or a view, it's very important to me. I recently bought a new house with a large garden that had been untouched for around 10 years and the process of re-creating its beauty has been very therapeutic. I also have a small allotment space at the bottom of the garden where I've started growing vegetables and my potatoes are looking very promising! I spend a lot of time in my garden experimenting with growing and teaching my kids bits and pieces about plants and nature.
How do you incorporate nature into your everyday life?
I surround myself with nature in the form of houseplants in my studio and home. My window sills all have large plants to bring the outdoors in and looking after plants is very satisfying. It's a great way of bringing peace into your life.
It’s True what they Say by JonJo Elliot
What message do you have for people about the natural world?
The natural world is constantly in danger from us and we need to stop and take notice. I'm constantly teaching my kids that we need to recycle as much as possible and try to make a difference. I grew up surfing and it makes me sad to see so many images and films of pollution and plastics in the sea, it's really bad and doesn't appear to be slowing down. Governments need to up their game as does every person on the planet.
Is your art inspired by mother nature?
For the last couple of years I've been including plants in my art and I'm at a point now where that seems to be my main focus. My inspiration comes from my garden but also from trips I've taken abroad where I'm always intrigued by the plants and nature I see. I love the abstract form and colours of plants and I'm always exploring ways of portraying this in my art.
Tell us a bit more about your work and your studio.
I tend to work on quite a large scale allowing the viewer to become lost in the painting and I absolutely love colour. I play with abstraction and representation in each new piece and I thrive on experimenting on new approaches. Luckily my home studio has large enough walls to accommodate the size I work at and importantly a good stereo which is a must for me. I do have a studio in the city but throughout lockdown I've been working at home. It's pretty cool though as I can nip out to my studio at any time of the day or night and just paint.
Do you have a message for people less fortunate than us who might not have a safe place to live?
I think having a safe place to live is so important for everyone, but not necessarily easy. It's important for people's mental health to have somewhere that is safe and we should all try our best to work together to create this for the future.
The Sanctuary Collection has been set up in honour of remembering the birdsong good things that came out of lockdown. We are also giving to The Nia Project a domestic violence charity. If you purchase one of our beautiful botanical gift-sets created with our favourite East London brands Earl of East and Grace and Thorn. £10 goes goes to women and children in need of a safe place to live.
Thank you for listening and much love Jules xx