Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John Jebb. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi John, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Perhaps my purpose found me, in that from my earliest memories I was always drawing images on scraps of paper instead of reading and writing. I don’t know if I was dyslexic but I had great difficulty with text and in contrast to my siblings I was a late developer academically. I remember when I was going through puberty a school friend would disappear in some nearby woods almost every afternoon. I was intrigued and one day decided to follow him to see what he was up to. He went into a clearing, pulled a tarpaulin off a tree stump to reveal a block of stone which he then started carving. I was transfixed – and knew that my destiny lay in carving stone. I met my friend decades later and asked him about his carving stone in the woods. He had no memory of it. I am sure it happened, but who knows?
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Working in my studio with hammer and chisel, a block of stone and bringing a new piece of art into being is what it’s all about for me. It is in essence such a simple activity going back to the dawn of time. All that’s changed is the quality of the tools. I am certain that when I have finished creating a unique object the thrill and relief of accomplishment is just the same for me as it was for a sculptor working 100 generations ago. Then when there is a positive response to an Exhibition, even a sale to a passionate Collector, or a Commission, that’s when it all clicks.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Firstly, I have to believe in myself and my abilities and believe that what I have to offer the world in which I live is worthwhile and has some sort of significance. Secondly, having embarked on my life’s path, recognition by others who acknowledge my work helps – perhaps luck plays a part. Once, a friend of mine who I had great respect for gave me invaluable advice when I was doubting myself, he said very simply “ John you must find a way to keep making your work – if you stop – that’s it, finito, but you never know what’s around the corner, who you might meet. You have got to stick at it.” Thus, thirdly, stamina, persistence or drive, something within, some inner strength that has buoyed me up – a sort of spiritual nourishment.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
A client for me would be an Art Dealer or if I am not represented, an Art Collector. Most often my work has been sold through a Gallery and always to people who feel very strongly about my work. I get a particular thrill when someone who sees my work asks me if I had in mind some connection with, for example a Shakespearean play in which they participated and saw a link. That sort of thing is a surprise and yet immensely gratifying. Often, the thoughts and imaginings that lead to a work of art have come to me in dreams and reflections stimulated by events that go on around me both personally and in society. I look for connections between the reality I experience and the forms and images I make. There is a mythic component to art work and I would be over the moon if I succeeded in realising it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johnjebb.com
- Instagram: johnjebb_sculptor
- Linkedin: John Jebb
