Meet Local Artist : Jason Chambers
Jason Chambers was born in Augusta, Georgia in 1979. He graduated from Westside High School in 1998. From an early age Jason showed an interest and promise in art. His father was a local editorial cartoonist for the Augusta Herald and Chronicle. So, like many artists, he was raised in a creative and inspiring environment.
Having been exposed various forms of art from illustration to portraiture, Jason’s true passion has always been abstraction. In early 2019 he transitioned fully into abstract art. One of his favorite quotes is by Pablo Picasso, “The world doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do.” Jason has always felt that his artwork was a way to sort through the craziness in the world. He feels this deeply and it is quite evident in his artworks.
His abstracted works, often created with pen and ink on paper, are heavily influenced by cubism, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. His works invite the viewer to contemplate each line, shape and the overall form created.
Jason’s works have been shown in several group exhibitions across the United States, with one of his most recent solo exhibitions being “Calming the Chaos” in Augusta, GA in July of 2020. He has also shown abroad in exhibitions in Paris and Saint Tropez, France. His works can be found in many private collections in the United States as well as France, The United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Japan. Between his art, family and three rambunctious dogs, Jason tends to stay very busy. One of his most popular sales items, being his coloring book, is set to see a second iteration as well as a second art compilation book of his newest creations.
His next event, “It’s A Colorful Life”, is a free for all ages coloring event at Augusta and Co. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Featuring some of his own illustrative cubist works from his coloring book “Calming the Noise”, children and adults will get to enjoy a workshop of coloring fun with Jason as their instructor. Participants will get to color along as Jason live creates work before their eyes. This event is completely free, with crayons and coloring sheets provided by the Greater Augusta Arts Council. His coloring book, art prints, and originals will be fore sale at a pop-up booth during the event.
When asked who his influences were, artistically, Jason listed the likes of Pablo Picasso, Christopher Mudgett, Alexandra Nechita, as well as local artist Katie Scarborough, who is a featured artist in the Marble Castle Exhibition in the City Gallery and Aort Reed, who is a fellow Arts Council member. It is Aort Reed’s mural “The Big Idea” on 11th St. in downtown Augusta that Jason enjoys the most. This mural is inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who Aort Reed is heavily influenced by.
Other spaces that Jason enjoys includes the Augusta Canal. Like his fellow featured artist Sindhu Pillai, Jason enjoys the calming qualities of the river. Growing up in National Hills, it was often a place of happy memories. Now, a place of nostalgia.
And like Sindhu, Jason finds that being a member of the Greater Augusta Arts Council has its benefits. Including the chance to meet fellow artists and build on the local arts community. Being that Jason predominately sells his works online, according to him, being a member has helped to connect with more the local community that I love. It has also introduced him to many talented artists and has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities.
