Jason credits his parents with exposing him to art as a child and said, "Art is something I've always been interested in." His mother, "did just about about everything from macrame to ceramics to folk art. I grew up watching her sew and paint with oils too." His father was, "really good with wood and even got a job teaching woodshop at Washington High School. He could make just about anything."
As a young adult Jason started working on a fishing boat, so his attentions steered towards work and away from art. Once he started working as a police officer for town of Belhaven, he was able to get back into art. He created a sign for a local establishment there, and his business grew. When he moved to Ocracoke Island his business really began to take off.
Jason's first creations were hand painted signs, and after developing his skills he began to paint on canvas with oils. Jason said the great amount of talented artists on the island have positively impacted and influenced him since he moved here, and he welcomes local artists to critique his work. "Dan Robinson, Russell Williams, Mary Bassell, Len Skynard, Mark Justice, and John Manning have all really helped me along the way and I incorporate their critiques and suggestions into my work," Jason said. "I also constantly buy literature and videos, try to learn more everyday, and immerse myself in art."
Over the past 13 to 14 years, Jason has designed and created a multitude of signs for local businesses. The techniques for creating the signs has evolved from hand-carving and painting, to the use of vinyl, and more recently sand-blasted and 3D works. "I enjoy trying new materials and products, which helps to prevent getting in any kind of rut, and I enjoy learning more and educating myself through all kinds of projects."
In the midst of becoming a successful artist, Jason helped to raise his first son Wayne (who is a recent high school graduate), and got married to an Ocracoke School teacher, Jennifer. They have two elementary-aged sons, Jacob and Jonah.
In their house, Jason and Jennifer have displayed his works, and Jason also has a great workroom where his supplies and tools are kept. A new oil on canvas work, which was in the beginning stages, was displayed on an easel with bold blues and greens mixed together to depict an underwater scene. In their living room, life-sized creations – hand carved and painted – of a pintail duck, speckled trout, and mahi\dolphin are on display. Also hanging on a wall is a relief carving of a school of pompano, which was hand-carved from cyprus boards and then hand painted, too. Jason currently has some pieces displayed in Down Creek Gallery (the octopus is my personal favorite), and you can cruise around the village to spot some of his other works.
The drum fish on the Tradewinds Tackle sign was hand-carved and has vinyl graphics. Newly-opened Corkey's Store has a sand-blasted sign, and the Jolly Roger and sMacNally's both have a tavern-style sign. He's done large displays, like the one at Native Seafood and Roxy's Antiques, and vinyl window graphics, some of which can be seen at Thai Moon.
Jason has also done signage for businesses on Hatteras Island and the mainland, plus decals for boats, golf carts, bicycles, and cornhole board sets.
Jason will have a variety of paintings and woodwork to showcase on Wednesday, June 24th, at Down Creek Gallery. The show begins at 5 o'clock and entertainment will be provided by musician Aaron LaVigne. There'll be refreshments, too! All are welcome!
