Jay Feather | Artist
“I was good at art and already had my work in the local gallery but I always thought, I can’t study art, that’s not going to get me a real job.”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At age five I told my mother I wanted to be a check out chick. I don’t think I really knew even when I was 17 what I wanted to do with my life. I was good at art and already had my work in the local gallery but I always thought, I can’t study art that’s not going to get me a real job. However, I did end up going doing a Diploma of Fine Arts and then onto a bachelor of Creative Industries through James Cook University.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Townsville but spent most of my childhood in Childers and Bundaberg QLD with a short stint in Mt Isa.
Where do you live?
I’ve just moved back to my hometown and live on the only hill in Bundaberg, The Hummock. Anyone who knows Bundaberg knows that it’s a very flat area.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by anything really, textured walls, colour patterns in nature, random shapes, repetition in everyday society. I also LOVE op shopping and I do get lots of inspiration from things I find. Last year I collected 200 plates and then made an installation with them at Bargara Beach Bundaberg. This installation was then selected for the Cream of the Crop, Regional Art Awards and is now travelling the state and is currently at the Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts.
How did your Side Project come about?
My side project started after I had my son Hudson in 2014. Prior to that I was working in a government job and wasn’t happy with where my life was going. My husband and I moved from Cairns back to my hometown to start our family. About a year after having Hudson I started painting again after not picking up a brush for about 5 years. I then was selected by a prominent artist here in Bundaberg — Jennifer McDuff, to participate in the Woodgate Arts in Spring Festival. My two works were purchased and that really motivated me to continue painting and exploring where it could take me.
What stage is your Side Project in?
Early stages.
What’s your day job/what was your day job?
I am currently a stay at home mum and previously worked for the government, where I would regularly have 7-day shifts including night duty.
How do you balance the nine-to-five with your Side Project?
Raising Hudson is my 9–5pm but he runs to a 5am-8pm schedule. I am lucky that he sleeps for 2 hours in the day and this is the time that I get most of my painting done. I also try to do a bit during the night but find the natural light during the day gives me better results with the mediums I use.
When was the moment you thought, I might be onto something here?
Just a few days ago after having a mini exhibition at Creative Regions Bundaberg. I had 12 paintings exhibited and I sold half my work in one day.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
The exhibition forced me to be disciplined over the last three weeks. The exhibition wasn’t planned and I was asked to put a number of works in. So with only three weeks to prepare, well let’s just say it was a hectic few nights. Since selling, I have become even more motivated and have been looking into branching into textiles. Also, I have entered another painting into an art show in a few days and have a stall at a local event before Mother’s Day.
“I love that I can give them new homes and that they can turn into something beautiful in someone’s home. Also, they all have a story to tell and that’s what I love.”
What was the biggest opposing force that you encountered and how did you overcome it?
Probably the lack of start-up capital. I am very passionate about recycling and using what we have in this world. I love the idea of sustainable art and fashion so I started finding little bits and pieces…from vintage beads that I could use in my necklaces to discarded canvases. I love that I can give them new homes and that they can turn into something beautiful in someone’s home. Also, they all have a story to tell and that’s what I love.
What has been the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?
Trust your instinct (if you feel its right it is).
How do you want to make your mark/what legacy will you leave behind?
If I can continue to paint and create for the rest of my life I will be complete and whole. I hope to leave the joy of creating to my son. I’m not saying he should be an artist but I hope he can have an open mind and heart and know that he is the creator of his life.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your Side Project/How do you overcome it?
Working around Hudson’s and his sleep.
Who are your top influences in your life, in terms of your career and helping you to focus on your Side Project?
My Husband Neil is the reason I can create, without him I wouldn’t be able to stay home and have this time with my son or paint. My Husband is also very supportive of my work. My mum is also amazing she is always keen to help me set up any project I have — be it a pop-up shop space or the exhibition. My mum raised me on her own and at one point we were homeless during my childhood so having a strong female figure in my life has influenced the way I am today and keeps me focused on what’s really important in life.
How did/do you fund your Side Project?
Any sales of paintings go back into my art so really I am just making money to use it again to produce. Again I am lucky we don’t have to put food on the table based on my art. However, I have only just started and you never know.
What is the most satisfying part of your Side Project?
The happiness it creates in my life. I’m the happiest when I’m creating.
Do you have other Side Projects?
Setting up Pop Up Shops. I set one up in Childers at the start of this year at the Paragon Theatre. It was a temporary shop where artists rented the space. I organised the shop, roster, contracts etc. I didn’t get any extra profit from doing it, other than the sales of my own wares and paintings. There were about 12 artists. The shop was very successful. It was a lot of fun and I have been discussing doing another one in Bundaberg.
What advice would you give to others who are thinking of ditching the day job for their Side Project?
Do it and don’t look back!!
Does your Side Project make you more productive/happy in other areas of your life?
Yes, it’s all I think about during the day (and of course my son) but I’m always thinking about my next project painting or installation. It is what drives me really. I think if you can find that then you are onto something.
How can people find you/your Side Project?
Facebook, Instagram, Website. Get in touch via jayfeatherart@gmail.com
