Biography
Jonathan G Skelton (b. 1949) is from a family of artist-craftspeople. He studied art, craft and design at Foundation, Degree and Postgraduate levels. Formerly a designer, teacher and craftsman, he went on to create 2D and 3D pieces in mixed media.
In 2009 his style changed radically. Combining his interest in Chinese arts and culture and life-long love of landscape he applied the discipline inherent in Chinese calligraphy to interpret landscape. An equivalent approach was employed to his interpretation of certain musical works.
Artist's Process
Drawing, in pencil and brush pens as examples, is essential preparation for the creation of imagery. Once the subject has been decided upon, numerous trials are made of the whole and parts before several ‘finished’ pieces emerge – one then being selected as the final piece. Marks and colours are given considerable thought and experimentation before deciding which are the most appropriate. Gestation of any one piece takes from months to years of thinking and drawing, though the image itself may in real time only take minutes.
There is no such thing as the perfect circle even after many trials. The circle remains incomplete, indicating imperfection.
Calligraphy is bound by discipline. Regular practise helps to improve formal characters which can lead on to freer interpretation. The letter, the character, and the pictorial image can become one.
Artist's Statement
Building on early tuition given me by my father* in perspective drawing and italic handwriting, drawing and calligraphy combine in my approach to painting. Chinese calligraphy and Tai Chi Chuan by their natures maintain strength in movement, these becoming the basis of work practice and imagery.
Two quite contrasting landscapes are my primary source – the undulating chalk downland of southern Britain and the rugged granite coastline of the island of Guernsey. My response to music, particularly my love of Baroque and Blues is pursued in other pieces.
I use of wide variety of brushes – Chinese Calligraphy, Japanese Haké, sash, mop and flat decorator’s – to give me freedom of movement on the paper.
*JOHN SKELTON MBE, SCULPTOR AND LETTER CUTTER, (1923 – 1999).
Exhibitions
‘Landmarks’, with John Mitchell, photography, Brighton Festival 2013.
‘Brush Marks Heaven and Earth’, Guernsey Museum and Art gallery, 2020.
‘Diadem and Dance’, Star Brewery Gallery, Lewes. 2022.
THE ARTIST ACKNOWLEDGES AND HONOURS:
John Skelton; Brian Ingham; Hu Ruijun; Liu Yinmei; Catherine Robinson