Jon Lilly

As a child of the 80’s and growing up in the North of England, it is clear to see the influence of Saturday morning cartoons, comics, and science-fiction, in my work.  There is always an element of fantasy and escapism, reflected in the colours, tones and moods represented in each piece.  

I am a neurodivergent artist, living with ADHD and OCD, and struggling with mental health issues; I use art and creativity to deal with this, to heal, express myself, and find some balance.  There are references to these themes and to neurodivergence throughout my work, from hints of obsessive and repetitive hyper-focus to random tangents in different directions.  

As a teenager, I gravitated towards subcultures such as skateboarding, graffiti/street art, and the free party rave scene, as ways to escape, to quieten my head, as well as a place to find community and belonging.  I developed a passion and talent for street art, seeing the spray can as a real form of expression.  It is within these grassroots scenes that I felt at home, able to contribute and collaborate without feeling like an outsider.  

My work reflects my experiences, drawing together influences from the fringes and the underground to give a unique perspective.  Whilst I am most comfortable working with spray paint, I enjoy experimenting with mixed media and applying new techniques to traditional materials.