Q and A with Jason McDonald
Jason McDonald, The Corner Store Gallery.
Q and A with Jason McDonald
Words by Madeline Young and Jason McDonald, Photographs by Jason McDonald.
We first discovered Jason McDonald’s work as a finalist in our first ever Mini Series Art Prize back in 2019. Jason’s magnificent, unique and quirky photography work has been a favourite of our audience ever since. This August we are excited to present Jason’s new exhibition here at The Corner Store Gallery. He has created two new series, "Diorama Melodrama” AND “Portraits of Maggie”. Jason’s clever play on words and Australian culture are always a joy and this exhibition will be no exception.
The exhibition will be on display from August 28th until September 7th with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday August 30th from 6pm, we’d love to see you there. View the catalogue here.
We caught up with Jason recently to find out more about these new series and what makes him tick…
Jason McDonald, A Spike in Blood Sugar, 2024, Limited edition of 20 photograph on cotton rag, 900 x 600 cm, oak finish frame.
The incredible spiky echidna proves to be the impenetrable top of the food chain - hoovering up the ant trail which appears out of nowhere converging on any sugary spill in the wake of the kids giving chase to the ubiquitous summer ice cream van.
The enchanting echidna was photographed at Jason’s family farm.
Can you describe your artistic style and how it has evolved over time?
My background in graphic design has led to a clean and detailed style of photography. I use natural daylight, highly arranged compositions and restrained colour pallet, often with lots of negative space.
I started out photographing symbiotic plants and animals found on my property called “Permanent Camping”. Progressing to portraits of orphan animals and plants from the family farm.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work?
My recent diorama series explores the idea that urbanisation of landscape does indeed have consequence, it’s a battle in the bush and Mother Nature can still catch us with our pants down to sting us on the tail. Dioramas have historically been described to visually preserve nature as different environments change due to human involvement. Unlike the traditional versions which presented taxidermy animals and birds in realistic poses, I have photographed live plants and animals with the aim to nurture a reverence for nature with its beauty and grandeur.
Jason McDonald’s cottage garden.
How do you approach the creative process from concept to completion?
With the diorama series I started out with rough concept sketches then use a montage of photography and graphic design. Each artwork is a blend of two images - the flora and toy models positioned in the landscape in a single shot and then my photograph of the animal or bird dropped into the set via digital editing.
What challenges have you faced as an artist and how did you overcome them?
Concept and timing were more part of the process rather than a challenge. Finding the right native plants in flower, especially during winter, and finding suitable birds and animals to photograph took patience and forward planning.
What are you currently working on and what’s next for you?
I’m currently working on animal portraits for a group show in October called “Artisans in the Gardens” at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.
Jason McDonald, Magpies and Pink Magnolia, 2024, Limited edition of 20 photograph on cotton rag, 50x50cm, oak finish frame.
Jason McDonald, Devilish Picnic, 2024, Limited edition of 20 photograph on cotton rag, 90x60cm, oak finish frame.
We take offence when our serenity is disturbed by the indigenous bush inhabitants.
The yawning gape of the Tasmanian Devil is indicative of their own fear not a sign of aggression and reason for eradication. This unique fellow is now a threatened species within it’s own domain.
The Tasmanian Devil was photographed at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo breeding program.
Jason McDonald, Magpie and Bluebells, 2024, Limited edition of 20 photograph on cotton rag, 50x50cm, oak finish frame.
Jason McDonald, The Corner Store Gallery.