Local disabled artists given chance to work with Jason Wilsher-Mills

Earlier this year we displayed the work of Wakefield-born artist and pioneer in disability art, Jason Wilsher-Mills at his first ever large-scale exhibition, Jason and the Wakefield Adventure, at Wakefield Exchange.

As part of a programme of engagement which ran alongside the exhibition, three Wakefield based early-career disabled artists were awarded micro-commissions, funded by Arts Council England.

From June to October, the selected artists have received guidance and mentorship from Jason in individual and group sessions. The programme aimed to address challenges and barriers that exist for disabled artists.

Jason Wilsher Mills said: “As a disabled artist myself, it has been both a pleasure and honour to work with the three chosen disabled artists, Jack, Jo & Lisa, as part of my exhibition ‘Jason & the Wakefield Adventure’. Through the wonderful support of Wakefield Council and Arts Council England I have been able to practice and deliver my manifesto of ensuring that there are opportunities for local disabled artists, built into the fabric of every commission and exhibition that I deliver.

“The three artists not only received the opportunity to create a new piece of work, which reflected their own relationship with Wakefield, but also, they received mentoring from me, so that when this project ends, they are equipped to have the tools to become self-sufficient as artists themselves.

“Each artist has produced beautiful work, and Wakefield should celebrate this, as the work is about the city, its people and the stories which have built up the Merrie City’s wonderful reputation. The work produced is also telling stories of disability lives, and I hope the people of Wakefield take the opportunity to enjoy the work and hear those stories."

Through the programme, each artist has created a new artwork, developed with support from Jason.

These pieces are on display throughout November at Wakefield Museum and Wakefield Exchange:

Jack Land is an early-career illustrator based in Middlestown. His work blends analogue techniques with digital tools. His artwork, ‘Walk Like A Duck’, is an illustrated fabric which stretches just over seven metres and follows a quirky duck with a quiff. Inspired by childhood walks in Thornes Park, the work explores neurodiversity and finding ‘our own normal’. You can find Jack’s work in WX (Wakefield Exchange).

Joanne Tiffany is a multidisciplinary artist based in Lupset. Her work explores issues such as disability, chronic illness, power and barriers. Joanne has produced two artworks. 'Stitched Connections' is a mixed media textile exploring heritage from her experience growing up in Wakefield. 'Moulded Connections' is a collaborative-based artwork between Joanne and CoActive Arts highlighting co-operation and teamwork. You can find Joanne’s work in Wakefield One.

Lisa Fascione is a disabled visual artist based in Wrenthorpe. Lisa’s current practice is around digital hybrid art. Her work, 'Cabinet of Resistance', is an interactive artwork exploring trauma and defiance. Its drawers hold sculpted ears, eyes, lips and bones - each telling a story of pain, healing and strength. You can find Lisa’s work in Wakefield Museum.

For more information, please visit https://creativewakefield.net/news/JWM-Micros/