Exploring the Impact of Jason Lindsey's Fine Art Projects on His Environmental Consciousness and Commercial Portfolio

Our artists work tirelessly to make sure their commercial work supports client’s visual goals and brand identity. This requires staying up to date on the latest trends, styles and making sure their technical skills are in top shape. And, as artists at their core, this means testing and creating personal work that keeps their skills up while also stretching their creative muscles. Jason Lindsey has always created personal work, but it wasn’t until COVID that he really started to delve into these projects and create cohesive bodies of work, producing a catalog of fine art collections.

The intention behind each of these projects is to take all of the thousands of ideas he conceives in his head and commit them to film, so to speak. Testing different techniques in lighting, shooting and editing, he improves his skills that translate to his commercial work, while diving deep into the topics that interest him. His fine art work has been recognized internationally and displayed in galleries and we wanted to share more about that work with you.

When did you start shooting fine art?

I've been shooting fine art projects or fine art-type personal projects for at least 15 years. However, it wasn't until COVID hit that I began to truly delve into these projects, to collect them into larger bodies of work to share them with the world. During that time the commercial world shut down, but as an artist, you are always drawn to creating so it was the perfect time to expand upon these ideas and to bring them to life. I love the process of personal projects and my fine art because allowing me the freedom to experiment and fail without external influences. 

I believe that failure is an integral part of the creative journey, one that often leads to growth and discovery. Embracing failure allows me to explore new avenues and push the boundaries of my creativity without fear of judgment or setback. It's a process of learning and experimentation that ultimately contributes to my growth as an artist.

What does the process of creating these projects look like? Do you always have an idea of a cohesive collection or do you start shooting something and then turn it into a larger project?

The process usually starts with an idea that I can’t seem to get out of my head. For me, photography and art is how I process thoughts or questions I have about the world. My fine art has leaned towards environmental issues, since that is something I have been especially preoccupied with. I usually explore these ideas conceptually before I ever start shooting them to decide the best way to tell the story. And then the collections themselves evolve from there.

Do you see parallels between your commercial and fine art work, and if so, how do they influence each other?

Absolutely. My experience in the commercial world often informs my approach to fine art projects and vice versa. For instance, my expertise in portraiture from commercial projects greatly contributed to projects like "Reflecting Forward." Similarly, my fine art ventures have enhanced my ability to pre-visualize concepts and effectively communicate visual ideas, skills that are invaluable in the commercial world. On my project “Corn Futures” I tested out a bunch of different lighting techniques that I have since used on a commercial set. It lets me sort through all the issues associated with that style before bringing it to a client.

Can you share a bit about your experience exhibiting your fine art work and the process of getting your projects showcased in galleries?

Exhibiting fine art work often involves proactive outreach and submission processes. While some opportunities arise organically, such as my unexpected invitation following a portfolio review, many require deliberate efforts in curating and presenting the work to galleries and festivals. My producer Talia plays a significant role in managing these aspects of the process, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of my work.

Which collections of yours have garnered the most attention, and why do you think those ones have received more recognition?

"Cracks in the Ice" has received significant attention. The project involved curating historic negatives of glaciers that I sourced from eBay. I then shattered each individual one differently and photographed the result. This conceptual exploration of climate change and to call attention to the loss and fragility of our planet is unique and has resonated with viewers.

What does creating fine art mean to you?

Ultimately, I aim to create work that resonates with audiences on a deeper level while remaining true to my vision and values. This approach allows me to explore freely and create art that is authentic and meaningful