Jason Flack works in his studio.
Jason Flack was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. He is known as an urban folk artist, Expressionist painter and motivational speaker. He uses bold black lines and bright colors, while expressing his viewpoint in a cartoonish, but realistic style. He entered into the public eye by becoming an ambassador for local arts and showcasing his talent to promote acceptance, interest, progress towards Appalachian modern art. He has curated many shows with East Tennessee State University and has painted many murals throughout the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, including being chosen by Lowes to create a mural for its Centennial Project.
“A huge highlight for me recently was my inclusion in the Sammie Nicely Collection at the Reece Museum/ETSU. I learned from my ‘Defy the Color Gray’ show at the Rose Center, Morristown, Tennessee, that I was one of thehighestselling artists during their ‘From Africa to Appalachia’ series.
“I have always been an artist, but I became a painter after the sudden death of my twin sister,Jessica, in 2010. I needed something that would not only challenge me, but would give me an outlet to express myself. I found that painting mademe feel free. I used grief as fuel, and I have been involved in the local art scene ever since.I am biracial, or ‘mixed,’ and all my life I have grown up in and represented both sides of the tracks — black and white. I was raised in a mixed household, spending time in both the suburbs and in the more humble neighborhoods in Johnson City.
“I recentlyfound out that some schools in Tennessee have totallyremoved art from elementary school. That was alarming to me. Another challenge has alwaysbeen generating public interest in art to not only gain exposure, but to make money. Artists needthe support of the general public, but also from business owners, community leadershipand folks with highseats in our communities,” he says.
He is working on two projects for East Tennessee State University. He painted a fiberglass life-size goat for Kingsport’s first G.O.A.T. Festival and he ispainting a “BeyondChecking the Box“ conference poster.
He will bea part of this year’s Appalachian Art Show in Kingsport, Tennessee, and plans to exhibit at Nancy Fishman’s Gallery Atelier133 for the Juneteenthcelebration (June 19). He is also going back to street markets as a vendor and speaker in the coming months. He plans to continue to work with youth groups throughout the year also.
“Art saved my life. I use a nature analogy when I talk about artists in communities. In certain habitats, there are small creatures that dwell underground and beneath fallen leaves that, when present, indicate the environment is healthy — that is us, that is the artists. If we are around and producing, your community, or environment, is healthy.
“I am honored to receive the AAME Arts Achievement award. I have understood the importance of this award in our region. It’s so great to get this recognition and to be included within othertalented and thoughtful creators. Receivingthis award inspires me to want to accomplish more. I dedicate this achievement to my late twin sister and to the Appalachian contemporary art movement,” Flack says.
