Pushing the boundaries of the printing process
This week we welcome TEDF (aka Jason-Earl Jackson), a printmaking artist born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, who lives and works in the Bronx.
TEDF predominantly works in relief printmaking, mixed media and painting. He has been an active artist for the past five years, during which time he’s taken part in many group exhibitions, two residencies and had one solo show.
Artist statement:
After practicing relief printmaking for 10 years, I developed an unorthodox approach – carving the block but not printing from it. I embrace the weight and volume of a mounted linoleum printing block, considering it the final artwork. This allows me to experiment with color more freely without destroying the block itself.
I am inspired by musicians and athletes. Moments of spontaneity in melody and sport captivate me. I employ this spontaneity in my artistic process by using creative energy to execute each piece directly, forgoing a sketch/proof of concept stage.
A common throughline in the work is spectacle. I want to create an immense amount of movement in each piece, guiding the eyes across every inch of linoleum with striking colors and cuts. I tell jokes with my pieces. I believe the fine art realm is often too self-serious and risks falling into pretentiousness. My artistic philosophy is amusement before statement; or amusement as statement. I share aspects of my Jamaican heritage, culture and pride through my work. See more of TEDF’s work on his website and Instagram.
