Q&A with Sterling Jacobs

Sterling Jacobs is an artist in south-central Oklahoma. He shared some insight into his art and creative process with us.

JNO: Could you tell us a bit about your creative process? How you get started, if/how you plan your projects ahead of time, etc.

SJ: I get right into the creative process. I think about what I want to do then proceed to do it and let the process take hold of me. What will come of it I never can say. That is of course the purpose.

JNO: What’s your background? How did you get to where you are now with your art?

SJ: I started doing art when I was seven. I was looking at a set of encyclopedias my grandmother had. I opened up to see portraits of the presidents. Afterwards, I never looked back. I went to college to hone my skills. Also, I educated myself and, by doing so, learned how to create my identity and express the fluidity of how that identity ebbs and flows within the chaotic currents of ones life force.

JNO: What message do you hope to communicate with your art?

SJ: Art is for everyone. Its very process is therapeutic. Also, I believe art is used to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

JNO: How does current social or political issues influence you?

SJ: I am a believer in inclusive rights for all people. People should not have to conform to any expectations society puts on them in assessment of their own self worth based upon their contributions to social machinations forthwith.

JNO: Who are your biggest influences?

SJ: My biggest influences are Vincent Van Gogh, Hieronymous Bosch, Auguste Rodin, Bernini, as well as cartoon, video game genre of the 20th century.

This is part one of our Q&A. Part two will be posted at a later date.