Discover the Vibrant World of Jon Stiff: An Unconventional Artist Transforming His Stratford Home into a Gallery

Step inside the Stratford home of artist Jon Stiff, and you are immediately enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and boundless creativity. Far from a conventional residence, Jon has meticulously transformed his entire terraced home into an immersive gallery, a living canvas showcasing his profoundly unusual and captivating artwork. As pandemic restrictions ease and the world reopens, Jon eagerly anticipates opening his doors to the public, inviting art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to experience his unique artistic vision firsthand.

Known professionally as Stiffy Art – a light-hearted nod to a cherished childhood nickname – Jon Stiff rose to national prominence earlier this year following his captivating appearance on the Channel 4 series “Drawers Off.” The acclaimed program, which celebrates the art of life-drawing, featured five amateur artists sketching each other in an uninhibited setting. Jon’s distinctive style and engaging personality quickly won the hearts of viewers, propelling him into the spotlight. Beyond his television fame, Jon Stiff has consistently secured valuable commissions from a diverse clientele, including discerning private collectors and prominent business buyers, eager to incorporate his vibrant, unconventional pieces into their spaces.

From Litigator to Liberated Artist: Jon Stiff’s Dual Passions

Remarkably, Jon’s flourishing artistic career runs parallel to a demanding professional life as a litigator, where he expertly navigates contentious claims within the intricate construction industry. This dual existence offers a fascinating contrast, with the structured world of law providing a backdrop to his explosively creative artistic endeavors. Jon’s art is characterized by its remarkable versatility, encompassing styles such as vivid floral compositions, intricate abstract designs, and thought-provoking surrealist pieces. What truly sets his work apart is his radical approach to tools and surfaces. Eschewing traditional brushes, Jon employs an array of unexpected household items – from a humble garlic crusher and kitchen spatula to a turkey baster – transforming these mundane objects into instruments of artistic expression. His canvases are equally unconventional, ranging from repurposed wheelie bins to discarded vehicle parts, each offering a unique foundation for his imaginative creations.

Despite his unconventional methods, the demand for Jon Stiff’s art is undeniably strong. He regularly receives commissions, with individual pieces fetching prices of approximately £5,000, underscoring the value and appeal of his unique vision. In a delightful family collaboration, Jon has recently joined forces with his talented seamstress daughter, Carrie. Together, they create bespoke artworks on homemade canvases, adding another dimension to his already diverse portfolio. This creative partnership further highlights the personal and deeply rooted nature of his artistic journey. Jon has also embarked on a series of highly anticipated ‘open house’ events, welcoming the public into his extraordinary three-story residence on Bull Street, nestled in Stratford’s historic town centre. Here, visitors can witness firsthand how every surface – from the vibrant walls and painted ceilings to the meticulously curated garden and even the furniture itself – serves as a dynamic showcase for Jon’s eclectic and incredibly vibrant creative range.

The Philosophy of a Self-Taught Exhibitionist: Embracing Artistic Freedom

“I was from the outset self-taught, and the whole experience has been uplifting as it offers the opportunity to be creative and really pull out some ‘hidden’ desire to be an exhibitionist! That in itself is liberating beyond belief and beyond words,” Jon articulates with passion. He goes on to describe his artistic pursuit as an “addiction,” a powerful drive that transcends conventional boundaries and expectations. Far from viewing his lack of formal training as a hindrance, Jon perceives it as a liberating force, allowing him to explore artistic avenues unconstrained by traditional academic structures. “As for restrictions, for me they are to be viewed as temporary hurdles,” he confidently states, embodying a resilient and innovative spirit. He finds immense encouragement and validation within the artistic community, noting, “What I find refreshing is the support that other artists provide, marginally critical but overwhelmingly supportive.” This reciprocal support system fuels his journey, reinforcing his belief in the power of shared creative passion.

Mastering Dual Imagery: A Tribute to Jackson Pollock and Beyond

Among Jon Stiff’s most cherished and challenging pieces are those born from his experiments in ‘dual imagery.’ This innovative concept draws inspiration from the groundbreaking work of one of his artistic heroes, Jackson Pollock, though reinterpreted through Jon’s distinctive lens. Utilizing the basic rudiments of household paints and raw canvases, Jon crafts large-scale works that demand attention. His process involves constructing various assemblies or structures as frames, over which he drapes his canvases. This meticulous technique results in monumental pieces designed to be viewed from multiple perspectives, each offering a unique visual experience. To further enhance this duality, Jon often incorporates luminous or ultraviolet paints, creating artworks that transform dramatically under different lighting conditions. A prime example of this inventive approach is his favourite piece, ‘Wing.’ This powerful creation features oils on an untreated canvas artfully mounted onto an actual aircraft wing, a testament to his bold use of unconventional surfaces. Measuring an impressive 190cm by 150cm, ‘Wing’ exemplifies the scale, presence, and profound purpose that Jon strives for in his larger works.

“I like the larger pieces,” Jon reflects on his preference for monumental works. “Size is one thing, but the piece has to have presence and purpose and almost demand attention.” He elaborates on the intricate creation of ‘Wing,’ highlighting the hands-on process involved: “With ‘Wing’ I enjoyed the process of tailoring the canvas and doing the eyeleting as well as the wrapping and tensioning with rope.” This attention to detail and engagement with the physical construction of his art underscores his deep connection to every stage of the creative journey, ensuring that each piece tells a story not just through its visual impact but also through its very making.

Influences and the Drive for Change

Jon Stiff draws inspiration from a pantheon of artistic luminaries, including the dynamic optical art of Bridget Riley, the ornate symbolism of Gustav Klimt, the diverse techniques of Gerhard Richter, and, of course, the raw energy of Jackson Pollock. These influences are not merely replicated but rather absorbed and reinterpreted through Jon’s unique artistic filter, contributing to his continuously evolving style. “I am still experimenting and learning and am bowled over by the amount of support through word of mouth as my story spreads,” he humbly states, acknowledging the growing recognition for his distinct approach.

A core tenet of Jon’s artistic philosophy is a profound rejection of the mundane and predictable. “Normality, standardization and the status quo don’t sit well with me. Frankly, predictability and certainty violently oppose the change I am searching for,” he passionately explains. This yearning for transformation and novelty is the driving force behind his creative output. During periods of lockdown, Jon dedicated himself to making his art more visible within his own home, carefully arranging pieces to create a cohesive yet dynamic exhibition space. This personal project naturally led to the idea of inviting others into his private gallery. “It seemed a perfect idea to invite people inside to see for themselves,” he reflects, transforming a personal passion into a public spectacle.

A Legacy of Love: Art Inspired by Loss

At the very heart of Jon’s profound passion for his craft lies a deeply personal and poignant inspiration: the memory of his late nephew, Corporal Graeme Stiff. Graeme, a dedicated serviceman, tragically lost his life serving in Afghanistan in March 2009, at the tender age of 24, when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. This immense loss profoundly impacted Jon, imbuing his artistic journey with a powerful sense of purpose and meaning. “We shared the same nickname as people with my surname do,” Jon shares, emphasizing the familial bond that connected them. The grief of losing someone so brilliant and young can be overwhelming, causing a profound sense of disconnection from the world. Jon reveals that in the wake of such a tragedy, a fundamental truth emerged: “To carry on, you have to do what you love.” His art, therefore, is not merely a creative outlet but a testament to resilience, a vibrant celebration of life, and a deeply felt tribute to Graeme’s enduring spirit.

Experience Stiffy Art: Upcoming Open House Events

Following the resounding success of his inaugural open house event held last summer, Jon Stiff is already immersed in preparations for his next public exhibition. Art enthusiasts and those curious about unconventional creativity can look forward to another opportunity to immerse themselves in his extraordinary world, with the next event scheduled for the coming spring. To discover more about Jon Stiff’s unique art, his open house schedule, and to explore his diverse portfolio, please visit his official website at www.stiffyart.co.uk. Don’t miss the chance to experience the transformative power of Stiffy Art, where creativity knows no bounds and every piece tells a compelling story.

All images (c) Stuart James of Emotive Eye