Oliver Jeffers, a multi-disciplinary artist, shares his creative journey spanning painting, illustration, and bookmaking. He discusses his new book, Begin Again, which addresses humanity's impact on Earth and poses the question, 'Where do we go from here?' The conversation touches on the transformative role of art in shaping identity, the balance between personal expression and market trends, and a fruitful collaboration with U2. Jeffers highlights how art fosters connection, particularly in children's stories, and the challenges of adapting books into films.
Oliver Jeffers discusses how art communicates complex human experiences, promoting empathy and connection across diverse audiences.
Jeffers emphasizes the significance of identity and community, advocating for unity through shared values to overcome societal divisions.
In his latest book, he explores global challenges, urging open dialogue and common ground to foster collaborative solutions for humanity's future.
Deep dives
The Power of Art and Perspective
Art serves as a powerful means of communication and connection, offering insight into the human experience. Oliver Jeffers reflects on how he discovered this power during his childhood, particularly when asked to create a set for a school play, which illuminated his artistic talent and fostering a sense of purpose. Throughout his journey, he learned that art can transcend individual experiences and resonate universally, facilitating dialogues about complex issues. This realization shaped his approach to creating works that evoke empathy and understanding among diverse audiences.
Navigating Identity and Community
The complexities of identity play a significant role in Jeffers' narrative, especially in the context of Northern Ireland's history of conflict. He draws parallels between his personal experiences and broader societal issues, emphasizing the importance of community in navigating identity. He recognizes that the division of communities often leads to misunderstandings, highlighting the necessity of fostering connections based on shared values rather than differences. Through his art, Jeffers aims to bridge these divides and advocate for a collective sense of belonging and understanding.
Finding Voice Through Creative Exploration
Jeffers articulates the journey of discovering one's artistic voice as a process of trial and error, which often involves moving beyond imitation to authenticity. He recounts the pivotal moment of understanding that his unique style emerged not from strict adherence to traditional techniques but through personal expression and exploration. This shift profoundly influenced his later work, encouraging him to create art that was not only visually engaging but also emotionally resonant. Such exploration allowed Jeffers to connect with audiences on multiple levels by inviting them to interpret his work through their perspectives.
Reimagining Humanity's Future
In his latest book, Jeffers addresses global challenges and aims to foster a collective narrative for humanity’s future. He emphasizes that many of today’s conflicts stem from an inability to communicate effectively and find common ground, suggesting that shifting the focus from being right to seeking better solutions is essential. By encouraging open dialogue and understanding diverse viewpoints, he hopes to unite people towards shared goals that prioritize humanity's well-being. This vision aligns with his belief that recognizing our commonalities can catalyze positive change and create a more harmonious world.
Celebrating Connection Through Art
Jeffers' work embodies the idea that art can serve as a catalyst for community engagement and healing. He expresses a desire to create pieces that not only entertain but also inspire reflection on the human condition and our collective responsibility towards one another. His approach involves weaving narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages, encouraging them to contemplate their roles within the larger story of humanity. Through this blend of storytelling and visual expression, he seeks to foster a sense of connection and shared purpose among individuals navigating the complexities of modern life.
Working in painting, bookmaking, illustration, collage, performance, and sculpture, Oliver Jeffers joins to talk about his career making art and telling stories. His new book, Begin Again, explores humankind’s impact on itself and our planet, asking the big question: Where do we go from here?