Contemporary abstract artist, Tim Jones’ work is held in private collections and prestigious public placements both here and abroad. His distinctive paintings emerge from the canvas in bursts of fluid, dynamic expression. Ahead of his upcoming solo exhibition, Untold Stories, at Parnell Gallery, we delved deeper into Tim’s life and practice.
What keeps you engaged and re-energised when you’re producing exhibition works?
Nature and a connection to the earth are most important to me. As we have two very young children, sleep is at a premium and we have less free time for those other things we love—beach life, diving, camping, surfing, snowboarding. The city can be a bit hectic so I get out as much as I can, and that is where I fuel up on inspiration and re-energise. The ocean is my main source of joy and connection, it levels me out and drowns out the noise so I can see clearly what is true and important. I think for the upcoming exhibition I have been drawing on my memories, perhaps more than normal. I have been recalling the things that have touched my soul and nurtured me in the past and drawing on them to guide me in the creation process.
What would we find in your own personal art collection and are there any themes to the influences behind your choices and collection?
My influences are quite broad, for example I love to look at the masters of the renaissance and impressionist periods for colour palette inspiration. I also have a varied collection of artworks at home. One of my favourite prints is by Joram Roukes, a modern surrealist crossed with street art. Another piece I have in a similar vein is an original by a friend and fellow artist Joel Hart. We also have a beautiful line drawing by Donna Marie-Patterson.
If you were not an artist, what would your career be?
I have been fortunate in my life to have done and experienced so many things, from corporate London to the superyacht industry. It has truly been a varied and exciting journey for me. If I wasn’t a visual artist, my other dream job would be to be involved in the music industry. When I was younger, I was engaged in the music scene, DJ’ing. It would have been great to have gone down the path of learning more on the production side of music. Like art, I feel as though music has a great ability to reach people, and that is something I love.
