Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Humphrey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was always an artist from an early age. I grew up in Los Angeles and started spray painting in my early teenage years. I ended up getting in all kinds of trouble for it. On the advice of my mother, I joined the Navy at the age of 17. I met my wife in San Diego several years after traveling around the world. I informed her one day that I could draw, and she didn’t really believe me. Once I showed her some of my work, she pushed me more and more to start finding avenues to display my art.
I have been doing Art Walk San Diego (in Little Italy), Art Walk Liberty Station, and several other arts shows on a regular basis. I am currently getting ready to display for the art show portion of KaaBoo Del Mar, just had my solo art show at The Art Gallery San Diego. I currently have worked there, and they are available by appointment for viewing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is not always a smooth transition into the art world. It is very subjective, and having the confidence to put yourself out there is something that can be difficult. I am fortunate to have a strong family support system, and I have also been fortunate to have people actually collect my work. I still am trying to grow, and learn something new from every experience, and every show. There is a lot of networking, and taking advantage of opportunities is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. One thing usually leads to another in this business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Original Ink Art story. Tell us more about the business.
I work mostly in pen and ink, in a technique called pointillism. My art is created using thousands, even millions of small dots. I add different mixed media colors to balance my work. I also use different collage techniques, which include combining paper and wood. I then draw directly over both, which gives my work a very layered effect.
My style is very original. I am a self-taught artist, and I change subject matters often. I focus on things from my childhood, and nostalgic moments often in my artwork. Snoopy, comic characters, elephants, lions, and owls are repeated subjects I use in my work. I just like to draw what I am feeling at the time, that way my art is never forced.
My work is very spiritual in nature. After I sketch out the basic borders of my drawing, all of the detail, dots, color, is done intuitively. I don’t plan out the final outcome, I just let it change from day today. My art takes many hours to complete, but it is like a form of meditation to me. I truly have fun with it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am lucky to have sold a large original piece at one of my first shows. That confidence let me know that I have something special. Putting yourself out there for the world to judge is a scary thing, to find success in that is magical. The universe has a way of helping you see your path when it’s coming from the heart.
Pricing:
- 500.00 and up for originals.
- 45.00 and up for prints.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6771 El Cajon Blvd
- Website: www.originalinkart.com
- Phone: 619 940 9695; 619 825 7598
- Instagram: originalinkart
- Facebook: originalinkart
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
