Vincent Jackson

When walking through the studio, among many snippets of conversation, you may hear an exclamation similar to the following: “I can’t help it if I’m so talented!” More than likely you overheard Vincent Jackson (b. 1961), one of the most prolific and longest practicing artists at Creativity Explored. Since 1984 Jackson’s large-scale figurative oil pastels have entranced visitors. Thick defining lines break the human form into geometric shapes filled with a heavy impasto of layered colors arranged with Jackson’s masterful sense of harmony. The resulting mask-like works can be viewed as a contemporary renewal of traditional African and Oceanic folk art imagery. Of his work he states: "My faces are my way of telling a story rather than writing."

As befits an artist of indomitable self-assurance and skill, in 2009 Jackson’s work was chosen adorn the third series of artisanal chocolates from Recchiuti Confections, one of our community arts partners. And in 2010, CB2, another community arts partner, chose his work for a limited edition tote bag. More than his many accolades though, it is the process of making art that is essential for Jackson, "It is very important that I create because it makes me feel nice."