Senior Exhibition

On my Mind, Like a Hat

TJ Jeffers

Winston-Salem State University

Department of Art + Visual Studies

Senior Exhibition

Artist Statement

The belief behind the work of Timothy Jeffers is that the ability to create, is nothing more than a blessing from God given to those brave enough to put forth an effort. As a young man raised in the South, inspiration for the art he makes takes many shapes and forms. Mostly from friends, family, and his environment he paints what he sees and feels. For Jeffers, art is not only an outlet for him, but also another way he can communicate ideas to the world with the intention to inspire and the hope to evoke emotions.

Jeffers continues to study watercolor as his main media but is experimental with charcoal, conte, acrylic, and pastels. Also, he creates mixed media pieces that are inspired by Matt McCormick. Other artists that influence his work and concepts include Jean-Micheal Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Daniel Arsham. Jeffers would describe his mission as an artist is to bring awareness to art and connect his community with the ideas of artists that help push society further.

This collection of artworks is inspired by Jeffers' upbringing and the southern environment around him. It is easy to get distracted or to fall victim to the traps set in place, growing up in Burlington but, with hard-work, discipline, and focus you can still achieve. Jeffers uses symbolism to represent different concepts or issues he feels are important. These artworks challenge the ideas of systemic racism, education, and social issues, that can affect someone’s life growing up in Burlington. Jeffers chooses to show these ideas in a vintage style because he feels that the 90’s time period is most relevant to the shaping of his lifestyle.

Untitled

Watercolor, Oil Pastel, Charcoal

16x19