Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason 789 Custom Designs.
Jason, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been an active artist most of my life. My background was in paint and also I created works in pen and ink.
My current style of dimensional work came to life over the past four years here in Portland. Being able to create dimensional one of kind work from wood keeps me fully engaged and the creative flow moving in a meaningful way. There are only a select handful of people that merge precision machinery and artistry in the entire world. Instead of thinking in a single layer where the artist creates perspective with color or shading, I use layering to create interest and movement in my original works. This journey has led me to have a loyal following and having my art on 4 continents as of this week. My latest 42×42″ work is headed to Costa Rica!
I am very active in the Portland art scene and often can be found at Portland Saturday Market, First Thursdays, Picnic in the Pearl, Last Thursdays on Alberta, as well as First Fridays in Troutdale throughout the summers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Prior to last election, the Portland art scene had been building lot of momentum after the shutdown. So much so I reinvested in better equipment and a bigger workshop to keep up with the demand.
Since then I think a lot of people have been squeezed at every turn lately. Artist are really feel it first. We always have a real front row seat of the economy. I am fortunate that I create large scale works that many higher end collectors follow, so I have been able to survive the storm so far. The biggest obstacles artist face today are the higher cost of operation, markets, and the inconsistency of sales. There are definitely days the cost of booth fees at markets outweigh the sales for many of us artist, more so this year. It really takes a strong will to create magic in the world to stick with it these days.
We rely on the support of strangers to keep it moving most of the time. I think shopping local and supporting local businesses is super important this year. It really does make a big difference!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create a very unique style of dimensional art. I work with a variety of materials but mostly use layers of wood in my designs. I design each layer to build depth as they stack. Many of my original works consist of between 9-17 layers of wood that are individually laser cut. I then airbrush or hand stain each layer one by one. After that is dialed in I clear coat each layer and assemble all the layers into one multidimensional piece of work. What really sets me apart is 90% of the similar style works online are made over and over meaning you essentially are getting the equivalent of a print vs an original artwork. I went the opposite way, every single work is a original one of a kind work. This also allows me to also create custom design for my clients. I have done everything from wedding decorations to artistic signage for businesses. I really enjoy bringing a clients sketch on a napkin to life in a magical way.
Beyond my unique approach, I am very proud to be active as a local Portland artist. I do everything I can to help other artist along the way. Last year, I received a grant for a gallery space through Downtown Clean and Safe and the Portland Chamber’s Pop-up shop series. I host 11 other local makers and artist from Portland and Eugene for November and December at my gallery. It was a lot of work but is a great program to promote local small businesses and artist.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would just like to say thanks for the opportunity and remind everyone to get out explore. Summer is here. Markets are in full bloom. Portland has so many talented local makers and many world class artist. I would say about 90% of what you buy from corporations can be bought locally directly from the people who make it or grow it. We have so many great markets, farmers markets, and places to shop local. It is totally worth it to give your local makers, farmers, and artist a chance first before heading to a box store or ordering online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://789Customdesigns.com
- Instagram: @789customdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/789customdesigns
