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Artist Jonathan Schofield discusses his uplifting artwork for Selfridges and his love of colour

Words: Chekii Harling

This year, at Selfridges we’re looking to nature to bring us joy, healing and escapism, inviting you to explore our exciting in-store and online attractions as part of our ‘Good Nature’ theme. To celebrate its launch, we commissioned the expressive east London-based painter Jonathan Schofield to take over our Orchard Street windows at Selfridges London – a space dedicated to showcasing artists we admire.

 

Known for his colourful, lyrical paintings that are drawn from “a large variety of cross-referential imagery archived in his mind”, Jonathan’s bold, nature-inspired work for Selfridges is infused with his witty artistic style and brilliant use of colour. We caught up with him here to talk about his work for Selfridges, and in our Good Nature podcast series for a thought-provoking discussion on the pleasure of colour and the positive impact it can have on our wellbeing.

Episode 4:
 

The Pleasure of Colour

In this episode, we follow painter and self-confessed colourist Jonathan Schofield as he unpacks his relationship with colour. From selecting hues for his vibrant artworks to finding inspirations in unexpected places, we deep-dive into Jonathan’s world as we explore colour as a poetic force and enduring influence.

 

To see Jonathan Schofield’s work close up, come and visit Selfridges London where the artist has created three works for the windows on Orchard Street, inspired by the vibrant colours found in nature.

Discover the series

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We met the artist to hear the story behind his first-ever 3D works on display at Selfridges London.

Jonathan Schofield's window display, Orchard Street Selfridges London
How does nature inspire your creativity?

I love urban nature – seeing a tree in the city and visiting the rose garden in Regent’s Park. Colours are a big part of my work, and nature always has the best colourways.

You often paint water jugs, leaves and monkeys – all of which feature in the display at Selfridges London. Why are you drawn to these motifs?

The objects in my paintings often symbolise other feelings or ideas. The monkey is a type of self-portrait that I use to personify a mood or an emotion.


Colour is constantly on my mind as a painter, I love how combinations of colours have the ability to create an atmosphere and emotion.

Jonathan Schofield's window display, Orchard Street Selfridges London
How would you describe your work?

I make large-scale paintings and smaller works on paper, generally. I haven’t worked three-dimensionally before, so to do this for Selfridges has been amazing.

What materials have been used in the Selfridges windows?

We have used canvas, wood, printed silk, rope and wood, and, of course, lots of colour.

What colours are the most evocative to you?

Colour is constantly on my mind as a painter, combinations of colours and their ability to create emotions and atmosphere.

Do you have any artistic rituals?

I try and go to the studio every day, even if it’s just to look at a work in progress. 


I haven’t worked three-dimensionally before so to do this for Selfridges has been amazing.

Jonathan Schofield's window display, Orchard Street Selfridges London
How does it feel to have your work displayed at scale in central London?

I have absolutely loved doing this commission; it’s got me thinking about my work in a different way.

What do you hope that passers-by take away from your artworks on display at Selfridges?

I hope that they smile and have a joyful response – pleasure is a very serious business.

You’ve held socially distanced solo art exhibitions during the lockdown. What has this experience been like?

I have a show on currently at the Serena Morton Gallery in Ladbroke Grove. I really believe it’s important to still try and experience art in real life. Painting is a physical thing; colours are different off the screen.

What words of wisdom would you like to pass on to the fine artists of the future?

Get a day job that pays really really well or learn about cryptocurrency but make art for love – and tell the truth! Oh, and take a good multivitamin.

To see Jonathan’s artworks, head to the Orchard Street windows at Selfridges London, or head instore to discover other works by The Good Nature Gallery artists, commissioned specially by Selfridges as part our Good Nature scheme.  

Crafted with the Earth in mind

All of our Good Nature windows, including Jonathan’s installations, have been made with the Earth in mind, with innovative materials such as 100% recycled polyester rope, and eco-resins created by our network of earth-conscious crafters.

DISCOVER GOOD NATURE

Find out the story behind our nature-inspired theme and listen to the new pleasure-seeking podcast series here.

Find out more

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