YUKI x JACK MIERS
We are stoked to announce the seond instalment of Our Artisan Project collaboration featuring the amazingly talented, Australiana illustration wizard Jack Miers.
His piece 'Home', is inspired by the classic John Williamson song that you might recognise from Bourke's Backyard.
Tell us about your story as an artist?
I guess I’ve always been into drawing and making things since a little kid, drawing through school and into Uni where I did a graphic design course. That lead me into doing lots of illustration work and branding for brands but in the last 5 years or so my main focus has been painting murals and doing tee graphics.
How would you describe your art or yourself as an artist?
Generally it’s pretty Australiana inspired, revolving around nature, travel and some sort of tongue in cheek humour.
What is the message or feeling of this piece?
I wanted to keep it pretty light-hearted with the Koala, using an old classic line from a well known Johnny Williamson song but also raise awareness for what The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group are aiming to achieve by replanting gums to remain a healthy population of koalas on the Peninsula..
What organisation did you choose to donate to and why?
The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation. I love koala’s… haha! They’re a huge inspiration for my work, so would be great to help them out in any way by creating more habitable places for them in my local area.
Where can we check out more of your art?
My personal stuff you can find on my website and IG: www.jackmiers.com @jackmiers
Or my mural work with Josh Brown is: www.jackandjosh.com.au @jackandjosh
Can you describe your creative process or the techniques you use in your art?
For my illustration work, previously it’s been pen on paper, but in the last few years I have changed to pretty much only work off my tablet. It’s certainly changed the way my workflow is, as it speeds the process up and makes it easier to work while travelling, which I try to do a bit. It eliminates the need for carrying around scanners, pens and paper. Then once its all illustrated up and I’m happy with it, I colour it all up in adobe illustrator.
Are there any specific artists or art movements that have influenced your work?
Growing up I’ve always loved the bright, vibrant colours of Mambo artists in the 80s and 90s, as well as vintage Australian tourism posters, tea towels, postcards, coasters which I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from too.
How do you choose the colors, themes, or subjects for your artwork?
Depends on the brief or the idea but generally it’ll start with a brain storm and then it’ll grow and develop as I illustrate. A lot of the time the initial idea isn’t even that strong but I’ll think of things to put in as I put pen to paper. Colours are probably the easiest part, that all comes together once the artwork is pretty final.
Could you share a memorable experience or moment that has impacted your art journey?
I think in terms of progression, it really came together when I got the opportunity to paint a mural on the Clyde Hotel in Carlton which the beer brand Furphy sponsored and from there the work just kept coming in and I found myself painting a whole lot more and loving it!
What do you hope viewers take away from your artwork?
A reaction would be great and a smile is even better :)
How does your art reflect your connection to nature, adventure, or sustainability?
I’d say most of it is generally inspired by nature as mentioned before, but also the lust for travel, souvenirs and memories gathered along the way.
Can you provide insights into any upcoming projects or collaborations in the pipeline?
Ahh haha its not locked in yet and it’s probably still disclosed at the moment but we’ve got an exciting mural installation going on in early 2024 we are pretty excited about.
What role do sustainability and ethical practices play in your artistic process?
I try to have a sustainable approach to my painting more so. That’s the beauty of working digitally, there’s no paper or paint to waste. But when painting, we do our best to clean out and re use most of our brushes and rollers and re-using yogurt tubs, dips tubs and coffee cups to mix paints in so we aren’t throwing out excessive amounts of waste every paint.
How can your art contribute to raising awareness about environmental or social issues?
I think art is always a good place to start with raising awareness, it enables people to start talking and ask questions. Murals are the same, just on a bigger scale. It’s a great way to connect with people in a creative way whilst bringing mundane walls and spaces to life.
