Gavin Thackray-Jones’ artworks explore the interplay between interior and exterior spaces, both in living and stationery matters. He presents his autobiography through animation, digital drawing, painting, and creative writing to convey his emotions.

Gavin’s Cerebral Palsy affects his dexterity and speech, leading him to feel overlooked and sometimes invisible in society. To express his experiences, he creates personas in his compositions, such as an airline pilot and a driver with faces conveying a sense of rejection. Gavin avoids the ‘outsider artist’ label, believing his artwork deserves global recognition.

Gavin’s art serves as a guide to society, allowing him to envision an alternative life where he feels happy and free. Art provides an escape from reality, enabling him to project a persona that he finds addictive and returns to repeatedly.

Gavin draws inspiration from artists like Frida Kahlo, David Hockney, and Philip Guston, who have faced similar challenges in life. These artists’ experiences inspired Gavin on a magical journey to block out negative memories. Research has helped Gavin contextualise his place in the art world, boosting his confidence in each application.

The Coca-Cola iconography in Gavin’s compositions draws from references to late Andy Warhol and the concept of commercialisation. He’s also intrigued by Ed Ruscha’s use of signage and subject matter, such as petrol stations and advertising, which he sees as transforming ordinary objects, architecture, and living things into subjects.

British Airways’ branding portrays Gavin as a successful thirty-seven-year-old with aspirations of flying the world and exhibiting his compositions internationally. He loves travel, culture, and meeting interesting people. Gavin uses Adobe Fresco to create scenes with drawing shapes and scale down details. His bold, electric colours reflect his 70s and 1980s audio and cinema influences.

Gavin’s persona is that of an airline pilot, and he creates animation simulating his self-image. He currently uses Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop to animate this persona. Video artist Ryan Trecartin creates animation about his own identity. Trecartin writes, directs, and edits his own films, just like Gavin.

In February 2016, while studying for his Master’s Degree, Gavin visited New York City. He saw the exhibition ‘How To Work Better’ by artists Fischi and Weiss at the Guggenheim. Gavin found photographs and videos of airports intriguing and saw the narrative methodology of Fischi and Weiss in the exhibition. Their concept of travelling through different time zones, from arriving at the airport to reaching their destination, resonated with Gavin. His animations accurately and successfully captured this journey.

Gavin enjoys seeing his paintings come to life. He takes his time applying paint, using brushes, sponges, palette knives, and even kitchen roll. Removing paint creates depth and delicate details, and precise application represents the artist’s intention in each composition.

Gavin uses Adobe Fresco to develop digital drawings, capturing full-scale body proportions and referencing architectural landmarks like London and famous international landmarks. The energetic colour palette reflects his personality.

Gavin documents his dreams, both conscious and subconscious, through portraits and objects placed on appropriate materials. Over the years, this process has led him to reflect on his strengths and weaknesses.

Gavin’s dream is to travel the world, experiencing diverse cultures and witnessing a wide range of architecture. He’s inspired by YouTubers who pioneered travel and art, and believes that seeing different art styles will influence his future masterpieces.

Amidst the conflict in Ukraine, Russia, and Gaza, as well as disturbing images and videography broadcast by the media, Gavin finds solace in art and documentaries that stimulate his mind.

Gavin dislikes discrimination, especially in restaurants where he feels overlooked by the customer service. Art provides him with an escape and allows him to reflect on those who have treated him with respect.

Gavin has had several successful exhibitions, with publicity in newspapers and radio interviews. He’s also sold his drawings and paintings. Achieving a 2:1 and a MA has enhanced his ability to articulate his future adventures. He aims to exhibit in galleries in London and internationally to showcase his journeys and passion for contemporary art. Gavin’s passion extends to commercial aviation and worldwide architecture, places he’s visited and plans to explore in the future. He’s inspired by Pascal Anson’s artwork on a commercial airplane during the 2012 Olympics. 

Gavin Thackray-Jones, a talented artist, is eager to pursue his dreams of establishing his own art gallery in London. He has his sights set on collaborating with renowned celebrities, such as Boy George, Simon Le Bon, and Phil Oakey, as well as art collectors and galleries, to showcase his unique style.

Gavin’s vision extends beyond mere exhibition. He envisions hosting talks about his artwork, providing mentorship to aspiring artists, and helping them develop their confidence and achieve their future goals.

His future exhibitions will feature a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, digital drawings, and videography, all telling a narrative about his life and experiences. The artworks will be available in original prints, merchandise such as mugs, coasters, books, and fashion products, and more.

If you have any questions or wish to purchase Gavin’s artworks, don’t hesitate to contact him.

 

Thank you for your interest in Gavin’s work.

Best regards,

Gavin Thackray-Jones
BA (Hons) MA

October 2025

www.gavinthackrayjones.co.uk