Read more, Sketch more, Create more - Jason Ratliff Interview
Posted by Emily Downes on 3rd Jun 2014
We want to introduce you to Jason Ratliff, artist of the 'Walking Shadows' series. His artwork showcases a traditional drawing technique with the incorporation of the geometric trend. We got to chat to him about his inspirations, aspirations and life in general.
This is a difficult question to answer because there is no single overwhelming source. I find inspiration in many things: photography, fashion and design, abstract, surrealistic and realistic art, music and film. I get inspired by color and composition; art that tells a story, has a message or greater meaning. Basically, I get inspired by anything that is done well.
Milton Glaser's house. But to be honest, I'm happy that anyone wants to see something of mine on their wall everyday.
I studied graphic design in school but I've also worked with many other forms of art. Everything from sculpture and ceramics to painting and wood-working, but illustration has always been my passion. I'd like to think that my form of artwork is a marriage of my graphic design background and my artistic nature.
As an artist, if you do it for long enough, you develop phases along the way. Even if the phases are subtle trends in the work, all long-term artists have them. The Walking Shadows are one of my phases and people really seemed to connect with them. I've been working on the series for over a year now and it has seemed like lightning in a bottle. I've never created something that has had such an overwhelming response. As far as what the future holds, I'm ready to move on to whats next. And I can only be so lucky if what I create resonates with as many people again.
I would tell myself to read more, sketch more, create more. Simple as that.
Jason's studio:
