Biography

Jon Oliphant

The journey began in prep school where I only drew for the fun of drawing. Art seemed farfetched and not realistic at such a age. Like my other peer group members I had the dream to become a doctor and medical was the only seemingly right one to become. I went on to Secondary School, and there at deCarteret College my curiosity in the arts developed.

My experience in Pathfinders Club, at Easter and summer camp and vacation Bible school proved that my talents far outdid the others, so I graduated myself to all adult art and craft activities. My mother had exposed me to the creative crafts at most camps, where I became Instructor's Assistant and the idea man. My father who is a lithographic printer had always given me tips on graphic imaging, but those tips went through the other ear.

On completion of Secondary school, I immediately went on to Mico Teachers’ College after being turned down by Edna Manley College. There I majored in Secondary Visual Arts Education. Given my prior exposure to other aspects of Visual Arts I realised there was much to learn. The three years developed and exposed my talents, each day the process was worth the Experience.

Gaining knowledge in various areas of the visual arts, such as ceramics, textile design and layout, painting, drawing and weaving among others was necessary to equip a teacher for life experiences. I taught visual arts and resource and technology for three years before moving on for further studies at the University of the West Indies (Mona) and the Edna Manley College of Visual arts to pursue a B.A. in Visual Arts.

In the process I learned new art forms which included color and black and white photography, serigraphy, digital imagery and concepts to improve my limited drawing and painting experience. I acknowledge that my photography and serigraphy skills are more popular than my other skills. These have earned me first place silver medals and merit certificates in the JCDC National Visual Arts Competitions and added popularity on campus.

I thank God for those years and for a motivating mother and family who pushed me into choosing my career path. I intend to now go and produce more exciting pieces of art and hope that through my influence someone out there will be motivated to use his or her talents to inspire others. I really try to inspire and hope that my profession will help students look into their society and see what they can become and how they can influence their peers through the talents given to them.

Art is not only what we see it is what we do from the heart that reflects our heartfelt feelings to issues and social commentaries in our lives. My appreciation for the visual arts is based on a passion to positively influence others. I will make an effort to become the light of difference. (Content contributed by Jon Oliphant 2008)

CV

Jon Oliphant

Statement of Purpose

To use my talents firstly to the honour and glory of God, who has blessed me with gifts that enable me to inspire and use a ministry to the entire world. Secondly it is my heart’s desires to disseminate educate and interact with others through creative mediums and learn from the experiences of others who have and continue to travel on life’s pathways.

Education

The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica and the Edna College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Arthur Wint Drive Kingston, Jamaica.

• Visual Arts, Bachelor of Arts

2004 Edna College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Arthur Wint Drive Kingston, Jamaica. 

• Certificate of Visual Arts

1999-2002 Mico Teachers’ College, Marascaux Road, Kingston Jamaica 

• Diploma, Secondary Teacher Education Visual Arts

2000 Mico Evening College, Marascaux Road, Kingston Jamaica 

• 1 CXC Research Paper Visual Arts

1994-1999 deCarteret College , deCarteret Road, Mandeville Manchester 

• 7 CXC O Levels

Awards

• The University of the West Indies Mona Campus Certificate of Award in Academics 2008
• Ministry of Education Youth and Culture. Jamaica Government General Teachers' Scholarship 2007-2008

Experience

• 2002- Present: Teacher of Visual Arts and Resource and Technology teacher, Mandeville Primary and Junior High School. Manchester Jamaica
• 2000- 2001: Office supervisor layout and press operator, BOSS Printing Services, Mandeville.
• 1999-2000: Assistant office manager, BOSS Printing Services, Mandeville
• 2003-2004: CXC/ Cape Visual Arts /Design and Technology tutor
• 2007-2008: University of the West Indies Bursary. Fixed Assets and Bank Reconciliation inventory unit.

Co-Curricular Activities

• University of the West Indies. Office of Student Services and Development, Mentorship Programme 2007-2008
• University of the West Indies Visual Arts Society, Instructor and Vice President 2005-2008
• Mary Seacole Hall, U.W.I.Mona Photography Club 2006-2008 Photography Instructor. 2006-2007
• A.Z.Preston Hall P.E.A.C.E. Photography and Visual Arts Coordinator 2006-2007
• Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Fine Arts and Photography Club. Member 2005-2008
• Photography and the Visual and Performing Arts. JCDC, Medallist
• Church Organist and Pianist – Sandy Park S.D.A 2005-2006 , Macedonia S.D.A. 2006-2007, and Newport S.D.A. Church 1996-2005
• Pathfinders Club Instructor and Master Guide. Digital Imagery and Graphic Design
• Swimming, sports and games, camping and outdoor activities

Shows

• 2006-2008 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission silver medallist and merit awardee. JCDC National Visual Arts competition and exhibition.
• 2008 University of the West Indies 60th Anniversary celebration exhibition – Photography and Painting works (A.Z.Preston Hall U.W.I.Mona)
• 2007 Photography Exhibition A.Z.Preston Hall U.W.I.Mona
• 2003 and 2004 Exhibition at the Mandeville annual Catholic Art Fair.
• 2002 Artist exhibit at the West Indies Union of Seventh-Day Adventist Youth Congress.

 [Content contributed by Jon Oliphant]

Gallery 1

 Jon Oliphant

Hay Vida	Viv-La-Mor
La Vida	Hace La Vida
Para Vida

 

Gallery 2

The Journey of Life series

Work Boots 1	Work Boots 2
Work Boots 3	Work Boots 4
Work Boots 5	Work Boots 6
Work Boots 7

 

Gallery Index

• Gallery 1
  
  • Hay Vida
  • La Vida
  • Hace La Vida
  • Para Vida
• Gallery 2
  
  • Four Seasons
  • Chica
  • Beyond
  • In Mind
  • Just Life
• Gallery 3  The Journey of Life series
  
  • Work Boots 1
  • Work Boots 2
  • Work Boots 3
  • Work Boots 4
  • Work Boots 5
  • Work Boots 6
  • Work Boots 7

 

Interview

Patricia Saunders interviews Jon Oliphant