Jimmy Turnell in his studio making art. — “Mistakes can lead to unexpected and exciting results, so don’t be afraid to fuck things up, explore and push boundaries.”

— Jimmy Turrell, 2024

1) LOCATION?

London/Newcastle 🇬🇧

2) YEARS COLLAGING?

20 Years

3) WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND DISLIKE ABOUT COLLAGE?

I appreciated both the creative freedom and the challenges that come with working in collage. I love collage for its ability to blend various techniques—such as handmade elements, screen printing, digital aspects, and mixed media—allowing me to explore a broad range of creative expressions. The process of breaking away from rigid structures, like typographic grids, and instead using more fluid and experimental methods, is something I find particularly enjoyable.

Some of the drawbacks to working in collage are particularly in the context of budget constraints. The ambitious nature of collage and using found material often collides with financial limitations, which can be frustrating. However, these very limitations can sometimes lead to unexpected creative solutions, making the constraints a source of inspiration rather than a hindrance.

4) BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

Milton Glaser, Barney Bubbles, Peter Kennard, Anthony H Wilson and Richard D James.

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, PROS & CONS?

To be honest with you I would say 80% of my work is purely analog. I use Photoshop as a very basic tool - more like a cutting matt - ostensibly to shift analog layers (that I’ve scanned in) and to create different colour variations of this work. However here’s the Pro’s and Cons of both:

ANALOG

Pros:

Tactile Experience: The hands-on nature of analog methods, such as collage and screen printing, allows for a more direct and tactile interaction with the materials.
Unique Imperfections: Analog techniques often produce unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that can't be perfectly replicated, adding a layer of authenticity and charm.
Emotional Connection: The manual process can foster a deeper emotional connection to the work.

Cons:

Time-Consuming: Analog methods can be more time-intensive due to the manual labor involved.

DIGITAL

Pros:

Efficiency and Speed: Digital tools enable quicker production and easier edits, which is beneficial for iterative design processes.
Versatility: The digital realm offers a wide range of tools and effects that can be easily manipulated and combined.
Accessibility: Digital work can be easily shared and distributed globally, reaching a wider audience.

Cons:

Lack of Tangibility: Digital work can sometimes feel less personal due to the absence of physical interaction.
Overwhelm of Choices: The vast array of digital options can sometimes lead to decision paralysis or a lack of focus.

6) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

I love travelling - Osaka, Valencia and Washington DC were recent vacations. I find visiting galleries and art and fashion shows around the world to be wildly inspiring.

7) THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

Experiment and Embrace Mistakes: I can’t emphasize enough the importance of experimentation and being open to mistakes. Collage is an inherently playful and experimental medium, and finding your style often involves trial and error. Mistakes can lead to unexpected and exciting results, so don’t be afraid to fuck things up, explore and push boundaries.

Draw Inspiration from Everywhere: Draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including music, nature, old magazines the architecture around you. Always gather a diverse range of materials as it can help spark creativity and bring a unique touch to your work.

Develop a Holistic Approach: I believe in a holistic approach to collage-making, where the chosen materials, techniques, and overall concept are interlinked. When starting a project, visualize the techniques and materials that will best complement the theme or emotion you want to convey. This approach helps in creating a cohesive and impactful piece.

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE IN 5-10 YEARS’ TIME?

I just want to continue to blend analog and digital mediums, exploring the intersection of traditional collage techniques with cutting-edge digital tools. Within my passion for music and collaboration, I want to further integrate visual art with audio-visual projects and multimedia installations.

I basically want continue to challenge conventional boundaries and explore new artistic landscapes. Maybe larger-scale projects, such as public installations or commercial collaborations which allow me to reach broader audiences.

9) UP AND COMING SHOWS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I have a show called “Shifting Surfaces” at The Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art until 22nd September 2024.

See more 👀

Gram: @jimmyturrell
Web: jimmyturrell.com