23/12/2025
Artist Spotlight!
Get to know Jon: “I've lived in Weston for about 13 years with my family; I was born in Manchester. We moved from Essex where I was a teacher for 23 years. In my early life I grew up North Wales . Weston is a beautiful location, I'm also drawn to its faded Seaside chique. I received a Master’s in Fine Art around 2022.
I primarily work from my imagination, my paintings are usually a response to a stimulus. I like to try different ideas and concepts, often my paintings stand alone, are unique but are connected in some way. That could be a word, early childhood memories, cartoons, lyrics from a song, an object, architectural feature (such as a lamppost or candle etc ), a political viewpoint. I tend not to paint the object as it is but try to imbue it with life and some personality. Sometimes they are a vehicle for my own emotional state and existential angst! I often sketch out ideas beforehand as a try out for a composition or work on small canvases. I like to work on a largest scale when given the opportunity.
My wife says my, 'paintings are like marmite, you either love them or hate them’. I would like to incorporate more of Weston into my work. I have known of the 'quarry' since moving here . I even had an exhibition there several years ago .
I have always dreamed of having a studio to practice in. I had my name down for a space for years and always felt it was a distant dream almost an impossibility. I was thrilled and so very fortunate that I was finally granted a studio space. It still hasn't sunk in really and am 'over the moon'.
The quarry is such a fabulous location and has beautiful surroundings and grounds, which is a natural habitat and magnet for the local fauna and flora. I hope to draw inspiration from being in such a creative hub and scenic environment.”
