AS IS | Jakub Tomáš
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    • 3 min read

AS IS | Jakub Tomáš

Artist

From Jihlava, Vysočina region, Czechia

Based in Jihlava


Jakub Tomáš is a painter, yet working with objects is essential for his work as he uses them as primary models for his paintings. This two-dimensional reproduction of a spatial model refers to the key elements of Jakub's philosophy and creative process; the parallel existence of the object in space and on canvas is a metaphor for the cycle of existence maintained through replication and at the same time invites debate about the relationship between reality and illusion.




A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?


J: I am a painter and I work with objects which serve as models for my paintings aka their two-dimensional channel. I used to study fashion design at a secondary school, but I eventually realized that that was not the path I want to tread for the rest of my life, so in my third year, I decided to become a painter. Later I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague under the leadership of professors Jiří Sopko and Vladimír Kokolia.


A: What inspires you the most?


J: I think that would be various socio-cultural events, whether historical or contemporary. I begin thinking about my first impressions of them and gradually process them later. I am also interested in the landscape, whether urban or wilderness.


A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?


J: Every morning, after I arrive at my studio, I try to sketch for a bit to kickstart my creative process and adapt to the environment of my studio.


A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer)? What to begin with?


J: To evaluate why they want to do art. If the motivation is wealth and fame, I probably wouldn't recommend art. It's also important to find a form of creative expression they'll enjoy and that they'll feel they have the potential for.



A: What 3 words do you think of when you hear the word art?

J: Art for me is a means of communication I am able to access and use.




A: Your favorite Czech artists?


J: I definitely have to mention Jiří Sopko, whose exhibition I recently viewed and I realized that many of his older works, which he created as early as the 70s, are still stimulating and relevant even today. Contemporary artists I enjoy are Merta or Kokolia. In history, I like for example Preisler and Josef Čapek.


A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?


J: I should probably say the Slav Epic but I don't even like it that much... (laughs) Maybe The Black Lake by Preisler; even though it probably doesn't exactly symbolize the Czech nation, it's still elemental to me...


A: How do you like to connect with others through art?


J: As I said, art is a form of communication, and the best way to communicate with it is when people gather at events such as exhibitions or other art shows. Of course, the pandemic taught us to communicate through other channels as well, such as social media. Those are a great advantage for artists who don't live in metropolitan areas or prefer to live in the countryside and are able to connect with the rest of the world, whether the art one or the laic one. I think that while social media have many cons, the pros predominate.



A: Where can we meet you?


J: You can meet me in my studio in Jihlava or in Prague. I spend a lot of my time in the woods - I am the owner of a forest that I take care of. I also keep bees, which is a hobby of mine that allows me to relax and think about projects. Although, it does require focus, too...


A: Is there any quote or idea that has guided you in your work and/or life?


J: "No day without a single line." I don't even know who said it, but I often use it in conversation. It means that every day, no matter what, you have to work in order to grow.



Thank you!


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