You may already be fimiliar with our next Highlighted Artist Jim Kernott- due to being 1 part of the ‘Lad + Dad’ Duo on popular Netfilx show ‘The Big Flower Fight’ !
However Myself and Daisy (OP co-creator) just know him as ‘Jim’ from UNI!
If your’e interested in knowing more about his work which covers a range of subjects like Mental Health, Upcycling + Badgers… then carry on reading the full interview bellow…
Q1: What is your Name, Age, and Where are you based?
A: My name is Jim Kernott, I am 21 years old and I live in Eastbourne. I attend the University of Brighton, studying 3D design and craft.
Q2: How did you first get into your creative practice/ work?
A: I always liked art at school, I took it as GCSE but lost interest because it was mainly painting and drawing (both of which I suck at). I studied photography A-Level which I loved! which got me onto a foundation art course at college. It was during this course, I found I really enjoyed making! Creating tangible things, from ideas, to designs, to objects! It’s great. From there I began my university life at Brighton!
Q3: Are there any main or overarching themes you explore in your work?
A:One topic I find myself returning to is mental health, in particular, men’s mental health. I enjoy starting a conversation to hopefully raise awareness for something that many people have, but sometimes don’t talk about! Recently I have been working with upcycled things and reclaimed wood which I am enjoying.
Q4: How has the COVID- 19 Pandemic affected your work?
A: It has been difficult… At UNI we have workshops, specialist tools, top notch equipment, all of which is closed off to us students at the moment, so I thought I couldn’t make. I have learnt that I don’t need all the specialist equipment, I just need a willingness to put in some more hours to create some things. Currently, all I have is time, which can be filled with making! So I have been making some things for friends and family.
Q5: Highlight one of your biggest inspirations!
A: It changes quite regularly, but currently I really like the work by Olafur Eliasson. I visited his exhibition in the Tate Modern and I loved how experiential the whole thing was, you could really immerse yourself in the creations! I would love to work with him and his team one day!
Q6: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
A: This question scares me… It’s a big world out there with lots to do and lots to experience! I have found that things pop up out of nowhere, I just need to stay ready for them I guess! Ideally, I will be creating. I’d like to work with an experienced creative person at some point, learn from them maybe like an apprentice (I like to learn new skills). I also really enjoyed being part of the ‘Big Flower Fight’show on Netflix, so maybe something else to do with TV? So overall, I’m not sure, whatever it is I hope to be enjoying it!
Q7: If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
A: My one piece of advice, is if an opportunity presents itself, go for it, run with it. It might just be the best thing you will ever do! This is something I need to keep telling myself too!!
To follow more of Jims work find him on Instagram !
Or watch him and his Dad on ‘The Big Flower Fight’ currently on Netflix !
-SEE YOU NEXT TIME-
The Orange Peel 