Jacki Mayo

Jacki Mayo is a newcomer to the art scene in Augusta, but is already paving her way into the hearts of the local populace.  From the mysterious, to the realist, you can’t deny she has serious skills.  Her live paintings fill the audience with excitement as they await the reveal of who her subject is, and you never know quite what she will have on canvas at her gallery shows, you’ll be filled  with anticipation because you know it will be special.

---

How long have you been painting, and who is someone that has inspired you?

I’ve mainly concentrated on drawing for most of my life. It wasn't until I was invited to participate in live painting with the guys from Artzilla that I began to really enjoy and run with it. Those guys are my real life inspirations along with Bob Ross, Alex Grey, Lisa Frank, and Raphael – both the Renaissance painter and the Ninja Turtle.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?  Especially with live art vs. studio art?

I usually just jump straight in with both and try not to over think it as I've accepted that things rarely go as initially planned (like life!). For this I've looked to children for inspiration, they approach tasks fearlessly and positively and in some ways we have a lot to learn from them.  However, it wasn't always that way!  When I first started live painting I was a nervous wreck.  Thankfully after being submerged in enough of those situations I became a bit more confident.

Many have appreciated the way you do hair in your paintings, what's your secret?

Keeping in mind the light source, I literally just scribble. It’s like a vacation after the tedious task arranging and proportioning a face.

Don’t over think it!

Who is your favorite historical figure and why?

 It's hard to narrow down the list of figures I have.  So many notable people have influenced our world and I have a great deal of respect for them. Currently though I am all about some Russell Brand because the man is brilliant, a leading activist, and a true testimony that we all have our faults but are not limited by them.

What's your favorite song that make you want to roar or scream?

Current pop radio makes me want to scream “TURN THAT SHIT OFF”.

You seem to involved in a diversity of creative fields, photography, paints, jewelry, etc.  What's the next thing you're going to try?

It’s only been in the past year that I've gotten into sewing and jewelry making. I realized I've had this list of skills I wanted to learn and with the help of internet tutorials I’m slowly making that happen. I love the rewarding sensation of having something click and make sense after all the struggle and mistakes. Oh the mistakes.. so many mistakes. Next on the list is leather working.

What do you personally think that art exists to accomplish?  Is it to express humor, unveil some sort of truth, exemplify the fashionable or beautiful, or all rolled into one?

Any and all! I believe it is a gestural self portrait of the artist that reflects his or her current mood and outlook on life, an extension of oneself. Artwork can be objectively viewed and dissected to gain a deeper understanding of both the artist and the state of the society in which the context takes place. It’s an invaluable tool.

What would you like to see more of in the Augusta scene?

LESS 
TALK, 
MORE 
ACTION!

You can find more of Jacki's works at fatheartart.com, or go down to 
Artist Local 1155 to see her current gallery show alongside works by Jay Jacobs.