Meet the artist - a conversation with Jude Caisley

Question:

While much Christian-inspired painting is representational, yours is notably abstract - with a very distinctive style. How would you describe your style - and how did it emerge?

Jude response:

I would describe my work as dynamic, ethereal and mysterious.

My painting journey began in 2012 after receiving a number of prophetic words. I started with a sponge, as I didn’t even have a paint brush at that time, and it went through many stages of exploration and learning.

After going through a mentoring program with a Christian abstract artist from America, I began to understand and embrace abstract art for the first time. My abstract work then began to emerge, but it was very rigid, structured and tight.

I remember being frustrated, having pain in my arm and feeling something was not quite right. After crying out to God in that moment, I came across a YouTube clip of a artist painting with great freedom, energy and beautiful bold colours. I thought ‘let me have a go’ at that and this became my breakthrough moment, and the beginning of the development of my current style.

One of the key things I learnt from my mentor was that we become like what we look at, so time spent looking at nature and other artwork that gave me pleasure was important to developing my style and techniques.

How does your faith inspire your art - and what does your art hope to inspire in other people?

I believe art was always meant to point to and glorify God, and we were made in the image of a creator God, and so creation is in our DNA. Also what we paint on a canvas is an expression of what is inside us. We see in the world a lot of art that is dark, ugly, demonic and which glorifies satan. I believe strongly that a Christian artist should be releasing light, hope, joy, peace and beauty into the atmosphere and culture of our day.

I always invite the Holy Spirit to paint with me and I have learnt so many life lessons through the process. God can speaks through anything and I know He speaks to me as I paint, and also to the viewer, as I often receive positive feedback from others.

My work is abstract in form and metaphoric in nature and it aims to capture a mood, or atmosphere, convey an emotion or evoke a memory. The beauty of abstraction is that it creates a space for many interpretations through which God can speak a unique and deeply personal message to each person.

What are the challenges - but also the opportunities - for a Christian artist in a secular world?

A classic Christian artist can have a very limited appeal and audience but because my work is abstract I can get under the radar and my audience is not limited at all. It also gives me the opportunity to meet other artists without faith, to sow seeds of light and allow God’s presence to permeate into secular galleries and group exhibitions. 

'Christian Art' vs. 'Art by a Christian'. Is a genre label helpful and important, or is it advantageous to be open-minded about audience and present the faith-based dimension more implicitly? Any reflections on how you prefer to position yourself?

I think classic “Christian Art” is too limited. The painting of a beautiful lion, a dove and a cross is really just one expression. We can’t box God into one style or genre. He is everywhere and in everything and is so much bigger than that.

Daren Wilson said “A true work of art must be allusive if ever to achieve true identity.” I believe mystery is important because it draws people in and causes them to wrestle with it. God’s word is an example of great art. It has so much mystery and levels and depth of meaning.

I am always amazed at the comments I get from non Christians, as my work bypasses the mind as well as any religious barriers and goes straight to the heart.

Can you give an insight into your creative process - how you progress from fledgling idea to finished canvas?

I take an intuitive and spontaneous approach held in tension with learned basic design principles which include shape, composition, centre of interest and edges. The only part I plan is the colour palette, which can be inspired by absolutely anything.

After preparing the canvas and mixing the colours I start putting the paint on the canvas with large brush strokes in a very quick manner, so as to not allow my brain to think too much. Worship music helps me to do this.

Then I begin the blending process, which is much slower and meditative and allows me to have a conversation with God.

Stepping away and coming back with a fresh eye is also important at this stage, as I weave everything together.

The final stage is about applying the highlights and small details.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

I enjoy shutting the door, switching off the phone and all other distractions and getting lost in the whole process: a time conversing with God and using my hand to create something new.

How can people see your work / find out more?

To see more of my work visit my website. www.judecaisley.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @judecaisleyart which is better for more regular updates.

June 2024