“An art that’s not based on looking inevitably becomes repetitious, whereas one that is based on looking finds the world infinitely interesting, and always finds new ways of looking at ourselves.”
Images: JesseJames. Words: David Hockney
JesseJames in conversation with Art Historian Aodhán Rilke. Transcript of the Q&A to follow.
A summer’s day Inis Oírr, long ago.
The artist JesseJames used to cycle out into the villages of Inis Oírr to practise art.
“Perhaps movies or television are closer to most people’s perception of the world. Life is a moving picture that comes through a tube courtesy of somebody else.”
Image: JesseJames. Words: David Hockney
To look back through it along the headlands that stand as if fixed for all eternity, one behind another to the limits of vision, is to look into the jaws of time – Tim Robinson, Stones of Aran: Pilgrimage.
(Thanks for clarifying this point Roly) Zibaldones…orginated in Florence! Around 1300. There are hundreds from there. Only very few from Venice. (Although some are incredible, like the book of Michael of Rhodes). The word itself is a Florentine / Tuscan name for a salad (probably: possibly a vegetable stew).
Zibaldones were used by merchants who used notebooks as part of their day to day business. Unlike their upper-class counterparts, who mostly stuck to Latin, these merchants wrote in the local Italian dialect. They were also more likely to bring together all kinds of work and play into one small, portable book. Alongside their workaday notes they drew boats and people and jotted down stories and other items of personal interest.
I have been here in the winter
Suddenly they shut the pub
For three days
Words: overheard on An Trá. Image: JesseJames.
It is a pity indeed to travel and not get this essential sense of landscape values. You do not need a sixth sense for it. It is there if you just close your eyes and breathe softly through your nose; you will hear the whispered message, for all landscapes ask the same question in the same whisper. I am watching you – are you watching yourself in me?
Words: Lawrence Durrell, Spirit Of Place: Letters And Essays On Travel. Image: JesseJames.
A seat located in Firhouse where the artists found inspiration.
It is said that this was JesseJames’s favourite seat in Firhouse. Situated on the village green and overlooking Saint Vincent de Paul’s Charity Shop and Moran’s Pharmacy, they sat here while they were reflecting on their art.
The Zibaldone Project 