Crafting Retro-Futuristic Wonders: The Fiber Art of Scotty Jones

Scotty Jones, a local artist, has carved out a unique niche in the world of fiber art, blending mid-century aesthetics with a modern twist. His vibrant creations, adorned with black graphics depicting astronauts, X-ray vision goggles, and laser guns, evoke a nostalgic yet futuristic charm that captivates audiences across the nation.

Retro-Inspired Functional Art Pieces

Embracing the Atomic-Era Aesthetic

Scotty Jones' artistic journey is deeply rooted in his family's influence. Inspired by the mid-century commercial art that his mother introduced him to during her lifetime, Jones has dedicated the past decade to creating a distinctive line of "functional pop art" – purses, wallets, and tote bags that celebrate the retro-futuristic aesthetic. His mother, a talented artist herself, instilled in him a passion for the visual arts, which ultimately led Jones to discover his true calling in the world of fine craft.

Sewing and Screen Printing: The Foundations of Jones' Craft

Jones' artistic journey began at a young age when his grandmother taught him the art of sewing. Although he wasn't initially passionate about making clothes, the experience of working with his grandmother's sewing machine, adorned with Egyptian decals, sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity that would later shape his creative path. As a teenager, Jones further honed his skills by exploring screen printing, inspired by the work of Andy Warhol. This combination of sewing and screen printing techniques would become the foundation for his unique fiber art creations.

Discovering the Potential of Fiber Art

It wasn't until Jones attended the Fourth Street Art Festival in Indianapolis that he realized the full potential of fiber art. Witnessing a vendor showcasing furniture upholstered with scrap fabrics and selling small zip pouches, Jones was inspired to create his own version, incorporating screen-printed art onto each piece. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey as a successful fiber artist, as he started selling his creations around Kokomo and gradually expanding his reach through art shows across the nation.

Collaborating with His Husband: A Creative Partnership

Jones' artistic practice is a collaborative effort, as he relies heavily on the support of his husband. From booking hotel reservations and handling bookkeeping to setting up and tearing down displays at art shows, Jones' husband plays a crucial role in enabling his creative pursuits. "My creative practice is a joint venture," Jones acknowledges, "I could not do it without him."

Adapting to the Pandemic: Embracing Digital Design

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in Jones' creative process. Prior to the outbreak, he primarily worked with vintage textiles from the 1950s and 1960s. However, when the art shows he had planned to attend were canceled, Jones decided to take surface design courses and learn to design his own fabrics. This transition allowed him to maintain his artistic momentum, as he now starts with a digital drawing and prints it onto canvas, combining vintage-inspired design elements with his unique digital compositions.

Crafting Unique and Captivating Pieces

Each of Jones' fiber art creations is a unique and meticulously crafted piece. He takes great care in ensuring that no two items are exactly alike, cycling through different color combinations and screen-printed designs to achieve a one-of-a-kind result. The images that adorn his work are a blend of photographs, vintage ephemera, and hand-drawn elements, creating a captivating visual narrative that resonates with his audience.

Honoring His Mother's Legacy

One of the most poignant aspects of Jones' work is the inclusion of his mother's image as the prominent astronaut figure across his creations. Although his mother was not an astronaut, Jones has digitally transformed her into a cosmic guardian, paying tribute to her beauty and the profound influence she had on his artistic journey. This personal touch adds a layer of emotional depth to his fiber art, allowing Jones to keep his mother's memory alive through his creative expression.