Besides the listed publications, articles on Jimmy's work have been published in local newspapers such as “The District Mail”, “Venge”, self published graphic novel. Several publications regarding his comic art have been made online and he has featured on e-tv and in several radio interviews on “Artscape Radio” and “Bush Radio”, Cape Town.
Other publications include Marie Claire Magazine and “Garage” Magazine, December 2011.
"I was born in Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State on 26 September 1970. I matriculated in 1989.
After my studies I was conscripted for National Service in the South African National Defence Force for one year. After being discharged from National Service I moved to Cape Town and found work at a printing company in Woodstock. This was my first job. I tried my hand at several endeavours, ranging from clothing design and manufacture to surfboards, but non of them were really successful.
Staying in Cape Town, I found work as a freelance illustrator and did a lot of work in the comic book industry. All along I was painting in my spare time. In 2008 I decided to focus entirely on my painting.
The first year was extremely tough, I made no money. I also took up airbrushing and started spraying motorcycles of which mostly Harley-Davidsons. At least some money was coming in and I was surviving.
At this time, I was painting in a photo realistic style and paintings took forever to complete.
In December 2010 I radically changed the approach to my painting style by using only large brushes which initiated some remarkable changes and effectively started my career as a serious, full time artist.
ARTIST;S STATEMENT
"My painting style and technique is self-taught.
As an artist with a graphic design background, I had a tendency to work in a very controlled and precise style. I was very accomplished as a realistic painter, technically my work was great, but my work was stagnant it lacked energy.
In December 2010 I decided to approach my painting style differently.
I changed the way I approached my painting and started by eliminating the use of small brushes. Some of my brushes now range between 6cm and 15cm in width. I forced myself to refrain from performing perfectly controlled detailing strokes and instead focused on performing bold, strong strokes using only larger brushes. I often load my brushes with paint so that it would run when I apply enough pressure onto the canvas. I also force myself to simplify and lessen the number of strokes as to not get caught up in trying to create every little detail. My aim is to give the viewer just enough information and let the viewer fill in the detail. I aim to create energy and life in my work. Many of my first pieces done in the new, expressive style were done in a fairly neutral palette with subtle use of colour. Recently I have started using a lot more colour in my work.
I have a tendency to work on a rather large format. My canvasses often range between 1.5 meter to 2 meters and larger.
In all my work I try to incorporate the use of contrast and good composition. When done in such an expressive style, it often creates rather bold, energetic and dramatic images.
I started out painting portraits of Hollywood actors, celebrities and icons, focusing on the ones I love most, but also ones with a classic look and feel to them, actors like Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Christopher Walken, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to name but a few.
I have since moved onto doing more personal work, focussing on creating portraits of totally unknown people. I also use my own models to create more personal work with a deeper message. I feel that it is a lot easier for me to create the look and feel that I want when using my own models. I have also started doing nudes and aim to explore the beauty and sensuality that is found in nudity.
I constantly challenge myself in my painting and while I feel confident in the style that I now work in, I will keep introducing new ways and techniques of pushing this style forward and developing it even further.
I am available for commissioned work."