Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayson Lawfer.
Jayson, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am the director of a contemporary art business entitled The Nevica Project with locations in Chicago and Kansas City. After graduating from the University of Montana with a fine arts degree, I completed artist residencies at Guldagergard (2002) in Denmark, The Archie Bray Foundation (2004), A.I.R. Vallauris in Vallauris, France (2006), and Lillstreet Art Center (2007). My personal artwork has been featured in prestige American exhibitions at the Lancaster Museum of Art (Pennsylvania), Missoula Art Museum (Montana), Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (Iowa), New Hampshire Institute of Art, as well as venues in England, Italy, Germany, and Australia.
From 2002-2006, I was the Executive Director of the nonprofit 501(c) (3) The Clay Studio of Missoula, Gallery Director of its exhibition space and Resident Director of its artist-in-residence program. After my position in Montana, I was a Resident Artist and Guest Curator at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, Illinois from 2006-2007.
Later, I was appointed the position of Executive Director of the nonprofit sector of Lillstreet Art Center (ArtReach) from 2010 – 2011. From 2011- 2014, I was on the Open Wall committee of 47th Ward Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar’s office and in charge of selecting and installing all art exhibitions at his office. From 2014- 2017, I was an active Board Member of the Ravenswood Community Council and Committee Chair of the Ravenswood ArtWalk.
My talents of being an artist and holding positions of directorship have granted me the opportunity to present lectures and lead workshops in Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Italy and in the USA.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make pots. I create functional pottery that have a “Wabi Sabi” style. They are not straight shapes that you might see as a modern form but more of aJapanese influenced shape- having movement and a rustic appearance.
I am inspired by many things and tend to collect more of the modern contemporary pottery and art. But when I create pots, I like to throw on the pottery wheel and use more traditional glazes and surface treatments.
I am also starting to research and practice the Japanese kintsugi technique- repairing pottery with gold.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I definitely think it is the marketing aspect. As a dealer, I see it all the time. People go to school for art and they stay in the studios and create art pieces. They never venture out and learn how to market their work.
There is a big difference between art and craft. Craft is about technique and you can be a successful craftsman by honing your skills. Contemporary art is different. It is about the conversation. You have to be able to market yourself to promote your creative expressions.
Also, the amount of artists in the USA is overwhelming. 60 years ago there were a couple handfuls of great artists in the country. Now there are a handful of great artists in most neighborhoods, in most large cities, in most states throughout the USA. And that is only in the USA!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I tend to keep my work private as I am an art dealer and do not like to wear too many hats. I do trade a lot for other artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenevicaproject.com
- Phone: 4063600164
- Email: jayson@thenevicaproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenevicaproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenevicaproject/
Image Credit:
Jayson Lawfer, Elaine Catherine Miller
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