Local artist profile: Jediah Shue

THIS week we chat with emerging multi-disciplined visual artist Jediah Shue, who describes his style as graphic, illustrative flora and fauna mixed with a bit of pop art.

What initially motivated you to become a multi-disciplined visual artist?

The initial motivation was curiosity (as) I’ve always been interested in different ways of making things.

I think it’s good for anyone to go outside their comfort zone.

Even if it’s a flop, you can draw from that experience and relate it to other projects in ways that might surprise you!

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as graphic, illustrative flora and fauna mixed with a bit of pop art.

I’ve always been drawn to stylised, graphic-style artworks, so it’s been fun to experiment and try something new with each project.

Which other artists inspire you?

I’ve been lucky enough to work with Wes Franklin, another local artist, signwriter and muralist.

It’s through him that I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and appreciation for sign writing and lettering, which is something I want to incorporate more of into what I make.

A lot of great graphic-style artists and tattoo artists online are inspirations as well.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

My favourite parts have been the in-between moments.

Moments like the little conversations with people coming into the studio, attempting to steady a projector for Wes while he tries to sketch out a mural at night in the middle of winter, renovating the studio space with my mates … the list goes on!

I’m very lucky that I’m in a community as great as this one.

How has your career been affected by COVID?

COVID helped my art career.

I had to move back to Bendigo from Melbourne during my last year of uni.

As a result I was able to further my interest in flora and fauna, get reconnected with people in the community and pursue all sorts of creative endeavours.

I have a lot of freedom to work on different projects up here, and it’s been a great opportunity to have a workspace at Hargreaves studios to help that flexibility.

Life is slower in Bendigo, which means there’s more time to connect with people.

I’ve had the opportunity to help Wes with a couple of murals over the years, and it’s been a great experience being able to stop and have a chat with strangers.

How can people check out your work online?

Check out my instagram at @jedshu_designs. Otherwise I’m trying to be in my studio more on Thursdays, so feel free to shoot me a message and pop by!

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

I’m going to be putting in some work for ‘Mexican Art Today’, a collaborative exhibition curated by Ivan Sun. Follow his social media profiles for more information!

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Don’t be scared to approach other creatives in the area. Artists are a skittish bunch, they’re more scared of you than you are of them.

If it wasn’t for the generosity of others in inviting me to collaborate with them and share my art, I wouldn’t be in the privileged position to share a studio space and collaborate with so many different people.

Don’t be afraid to fail! And don’t be afraid to make bad art – trust me, I’ve made a lot of that.