An Artists Life - Ashley Jackson
The long awaited Ashley Jackson Biography has just arrived in the Gallery.
Written by Chris Bond a feature writer for the Yorkshire Post, the hardback book is an accumulation of hours of discussion between Ashley and his friend,interspersed with paintings and sketches by Ashley.It provides an insight in to the man behind the paintings, how Yorkshire has embraced the young boy who arrived in Barnsley at the age of 10 to live with his mum and stepfather. Thus although he was not born in Yorkshire he considers in his heart of hearts to be a Yorkshireman. A writer for the Northern Echo once wrote, that if you cut Ashley in half he would say Yorkshire through and through like a piece of Blackpool rock, this is an accolade that Ashley is truly proud of.
Yorkshire has been his home for over 60 years and his love affair with the Yorkshire Moors began as soon as he was able to view the Moors from Linthwaite, Huddersfield. It is a relationship that has endured, for as he mentions the sun will burn you, the rain may wet you and the snow will freeze you to your bones, only people will make you cry. This is a statement built on the raw emotions of a young boy whose home life was empty and cold, it was to be the moors that provided his solace and sanity.
His works have been exhibited worldwide and adorn the walls of many successful and famous people from politicians to actors, from Tsars to Prince’s, many of these will be explained within the book, but the paintings that give him most pleasure are those purchased by the man in the street… It has been his life’s goal to make art accessible to everyone not just the elite few and with his many television series he achieved this when he was given the title ‘The People’s Artist’. Further accolades have followed but it always the one’s judged by his Yorkshire peers that provide him with the greatest of pleasure.
His life has been a rollercoaster with many ups and downs with the momentum provided by the passion and arrogance of a young Jackson wishing to make his mark within the art world. He still believes there is still much to achieve but the attitude has been replaced by a philosophical nature of one who has battled his way through a dark place to find light on the other side. Wishing to utilise his experience to support others in their challenging lives he campaigns for the Prince’s Trust and provides demonstrations for schools and prison services.
Copies signed by Ashley are available to buy on line within the Gallery and via telephone mail order. Contact the Gallery on 01484 686460 to reserve a copy.