Stephen Jacobson studied graphic design and illustration at the Manchester and Liverpool Colleges of Art before moving to London to undertake a post-graduate course in painting at the Royal Academy Schools. Since graduating in 1973, he has continued to paint and exhibit nationally in various galleries and art fairs. Jacobson is also the current Vice President of the RWA.
Although his work conspicuously lacks figures, Stephen has
undertaken several family portrait commissions; but his main interest lies in
translating the stillness to be found in landscapes and interiors that reflect
the presence of humanity.
'Simple images capture my imagination, I paint the everyday
scenes and objects that surround us but which we overlook or take for granted.
Someone once said of my work that I “was looking for heaven on earth” and I
suppose to a large extent they were right; you will see no decay or signs of
ageing in my paintings, I am seeking a sense of order and an underlying essence
of the things. I believe there is a joy to be found in the simplest
juxtaposition of the elements that we find in the world. I am disinterested in
the use of paint as a personal expression;I try to retain a sense of anonymity
and remove any obstruction that may cloud the vision of the viewer.
Since moving to Portishead I have found a new and unexpected
source of imagery. Prior to this I have always lived in the city but this semi
rural coast has been a revelation, most notably the vastness of the skies.
These have been a feature of my latest work and I have been incorporating them
into my view of the world I am trying to represent.'