Five Questions with artist Jade Thompson

Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – Jade Thompson is a First Nations Mohawk of the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne and the neighbouring city of Cornwall, Ontario. They reside in Cornwall with their fiancé. Born in the early nineties, they discovered their love for singing and performing while starring in plays and musicals in high school.

Jade did not consider a career as an artist until they were at least 17, and later attended York University briefly, where they were able to confront their struggles with mental health. Several years later, Jade graduated from St. Lawrence College in Brockville with a degree in Fine Arts in 2016.

Since then, they have created numerous custom paintings, drawings, and pyrographic art, mainly of people or animals, in addition to enjoying crochet as a hobby.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – What is your preferred artistic medium, and what do you like about it?

“Acrylic paint is my number one favourite medium. It is just so versatile. For portraits, I tend to do a lot of layers, and I work quickly and in long stretches of time at once. I like how fast it dries, and I love the range of bright colours to choose from. My abstract paintings are almost always acrylic too. Oil paint is a lot of fun, but acrylic wins for me.”

2 – Do you have any tips or advice for artists just starting?

“There are so many artists on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to inspire you. Create art that gives you a sense of fulfilment and makes you want to learn more! You don’t have to create every day, but you won’t get far without putting in the work. Accept that you will always have room to grow. If you can, ask other artists to give you a critique of your work, so you know your next steps.”

3 – How has your artwork changed compared to when you first started?

“This is funny; in high school, I used to draw the noses too long in my portraits. It messed up the proportions of the whole face, but we all start somewhere! Now you’ll see me at Cornwall Art Walk in the summer, creating ten-minute portrait sketches at my easel for anyone who wants one. And I don’t elongate the noses anymore!”

4 – If you went to art school, what was that experience like? Would you recommend that to others?

“It was challenging, of course, but I really did thrive in art college. Every assignment and project was a chance to do better and explore new ways to create. Not everyone can go to art school. I made the most of each day there. If you want to become a better, more focused visual artist, I absolutely recommend it.”

5 – Do people commission artwork from you, and if yes, how does that process work?

“I work from photographs of loved ones provided by the client to create the perfect art piece. We work out what size and medium would be best for what they are requesting. I require a down payment of half my quoted price, so when that is paid, I purchase the canvas or any supplies needed and get to work! I send photo updates as I progress, and the amount owing is due at the end when the client gets their custom artwork.”

See more from Art by Jade Thompson on Facebook and Instagram.