Meet Jared Hall | Artist and Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jared Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jared, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?

Regardless of wherever I end up in this world, I want people to remember me as a Jamaican artist. Jamaica is a small island, but somehow we’ve managed to have this enormous cultural impact on the world– I’d love to be part of that! I’d love for my artwork to spread more of that Jamaican/Caribbean influence worldwide!

I really enjoy the thought of inspiring young Jamaican artists back home. Growing up, I remember feeling like there wasn’t always a clear path forward for me to pursue art and animation. The arts in general were never valued that highly…I remember back in high school, trying to start an Animation Club with a friend and realizing we’d have no equipment or even support from the art teacher.
Knowing that, we still wanted to create a space for people who had those interests. People who loved art and animation as much as we did. I would love for that to be a part of my legacy in some way– creating a space like that on a professional level. That could be through teaching or just helping other Jamaicans get into the industry. Maybe I could make that path to success feel a little more clear?

I also want my artwork to stand on its own. I take pride in being able to convey an idea solely through the work itself, every piece I make is just a snapshot of my interests at the time. After anyone sees my work, I hope they have this moment where they think “Yeah I get it”. My background, my life and my art— I would hope that each of these could be remembered in their own way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I mentioned this earlier, but I really do see my art as a conversation with my audience. It’s me excitedly telling you about an interest or thought I had. I keep my work honest, because I don’t want any secrets between us. My work uses bright colors, strong silhouettes and strange visuals— because I want your full attention. I try to keep things simple— because I want to keep the concept solid and intriguing to you. I emphasize texture in my work— because I want the effort taken to create, to be self evident in every frame. And whenever we talk, I don’t want to repeat things that you’ve heard before. That’s something I’m especially proud of. I try to make artwork that only I could make, that comes about because of my specific interests and idiosyncrasies. Especially my love of mythology, stories and visual metaphors.

None of this was easy to figure out. I spent a lot of my BFA in Illustration struggling with the kind of artwork I wanted to make. It was really only during my last year that something finally clicked. I think there’s this idea that during art school, you should push yourself and try as many things as possible. I definitely agree with that, but I also believe that as you try new things, you should pay extra attention to what comes naturally. What comes the easiest, what naturally interests you— that’s your style. I really feel like I’m making some of my best art right now- which is a great feeling. My most recent film “Anansi the Spider”— feels like it’s been the culmination of everything I’ve learnt so far. It’s so exciting and fun!

My art can be a bit strange— but I feel like that strangeness, just makes it feel more exclusive? Going back to that conversation idea, it’s like I’m telling you a secret. Or we have an inside joke. I think it makes it all a bit more personal. Like we’re in our own club!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ll admit— I’m still not too well travelled in California. I spend most of my days living and working at the California Institute of the Arts. If I was having a best friend over, I would definitely want to give them the full campus tour. Ideally near the end of the semester, when everyone is showing off their films, having shows and exhibiting their work. Outside of school, I would love to take a friend to the art museum MOCA. Or the Ahmanson Theatre to watch a show— I saw Hadestown there last year and it was absolutely breathtaking. I would also like to take them to the Black Flea Market. We could spend the whole day shopping for art, clothes and food and then end the night with their monthly concert.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really have to thank my father. He has never wavered in supporting my pursuit of an artistic career. He got me every piece of equipment I could need and exposed me to art learning overseas every summer until I graduated highschool. Without his support, I would not have had a strong enough portfolio to apply for art school later on. He was the first person to ever commission me. Halls of Learning, the educational company he founded, has also been a huge inspiration. Halls of Learning has been teaching the fundamentals of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for the last 20 years. Through their many outreach programs, overseas competitions and classes, I believe they’ve had an incalculable impact on the youth of Jamaica. I don’t really think I’m able to do my father justice here. He was the first person I remember pitching an idea to. He taught me how to advocate for myself and my interests. He’s always taken me seriously and really listened to everything I’ve said about art, even if he could not always understand. Many wonderful people have been supportive towards my artistic pursuits, but he really went above and beyond.

Website: https://thatishall.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatishall/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Thatishall?ref=seller-platform-mcnav