Graphic artist and video director Jimmy Turrell’s creative journey is one defined by a unique blend of traditional and digital art forms. Growing up in Newcastle, the vibrant colours and architecture of the Byker Wall proved a major influence and, as Jimmy puts it, “left a lasting mark on my aesthetic”. His creative process embraces spontaneity and experimentation, often starting from simple inspirations, like music or everyday objects, which evolve into intricate works. As he explains: “If I spill something, I don’t mind, it feels like part of the process”.
Jimmy’s early exposure to art was nurtured by supportive parents and teachers, with a seminal moment coming when he discovered the book The Album Cover Album. His career now spans collaborations with high-profile brands like Chanel and Adidas, as well as directing music videos for global artists such as Beck, The Rolling Stones, and The Chemical Brothers. Yet despite his global success, Jimmy remains a true Geordie boy at heart, with the people, culture, history and architecture of the North East continuing to offer “a source of pride and a constant reminder of where I come from, grounding my work in a sense of place and identity”.
Jimmy also tells us about his current exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Shifting Surfaces, which incorporates collage, overprinting, and painting to tackle themes such as political instability and social justice.
Read Jimmy’s full interview on our sister website North East Times, here: https://netimesmagazine.co.uk/magazine/letting-the-creative-energy-flow-jimmy-turrell/
Photography by Andrew Lowe
