Hi, I’m Jack. This is my story.

A childhood in the Scottish Highlands was the foundation of my interest in the natural world. Majestic landscapes were right on my doorstep. A view across the Moray Firth to Ben Wyvis greeted me every morning. Up the hill lay Culloden battlefield, the location of the last battle on British soil. My parents took my brother and I to all corners of the north, for picturesque drives, day trips to remote beaches and camping on the rugged west coast.

Mum & Dad in the Cairngorm National Park

I grew accustomed to tent building and cooking outside on a grill from a young age. These early skills earned me ridicule from friends but I was secretly proud of my outdoor competence.

Sandwood Bay, 2017

My Dad’s job took him all over the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles. He learned extensively of Scottish landscape topology and seemed to soak up Scottish history like a sponge. My Mum and Dad’s explorative nature have clearly influenced and defined my own life.

Torridon, 2015

A turning point in my life would be when I got my first camera. I began the process of finding and capturing compositions in the natural world. I love the prospect of finding ‘off the beaten path’ places around Scotland. From high school I moved to Dundee and studied for my honours degree in Animation at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. Art college opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of a creative career path. From Dundee I took a year out in France for a ski season and then returned to education in Edinburgh to study for my PGDE in Art teaching. During my time in Edinburgh I started rock climbing as a hobby. It took me places I never thought I’d explore.

I lost my Dad in September 2018 to brain cancer. Some of my early drawings and commissions were created at his bedside in the Inverness Highland Hospice. He left me with some amazing memories and shared countless skills and experiences with me.

Lake Mahia, New Zealand, 2019

I took a year out of teaching to live in a van for 6 months in New Zealand. I suddenly found myself with time. I began developing my drawing style and found myself always coming back to landscapes. It was impossible not to be inspired by nature while driving around New Zealand. Every night was a different view, every day a different experience. Being outside is instilled in the kiwi lifestyle.

On our first visit to Wanaka, I sat and drew on the beach overlooking the lake and the mountains beyond. It was here I decided to take the plunge - after a gentle push in the right direction from old and new friends - to start taking my doodles of hills more seriously.

Thank you for reading my story. I’ll be releasing regular blogs and updates in regards to trips, inspiration and new work.

Would you like more information? Send me a message

hello@jackspowart.com
(+44) 7427620121

Inverness, Scotland