In the world of contemporary art, few creators capture the beauty and dynamism of nature quite like Jeremy Houghton. Known for his evocative depictions of birds in motion, Houghton’s work blurs the line between abstraction and form, inviting viewers into a world of freedom, flight, and exploration. We chatted with Jeremy to delve into his artistic journey, his connection to conservation, and the process behind his breathtaking paintings.
Check Out Jeremy's Works HERE
Jeremy, your artwork has such a distinct style. How would you describe your journey as an artist, and what inspired you to pursue this path?
For over twenty years I have been lucky enough to be artist in residence for some incredible places and occasions. These have inspired a variety of collections and have obliged me to have a versatile approach to my painting.
You’ve worked across various themes, but what drew you to focus on birds in particular? Is there a moment or experience that sparked this fascination?
My decision to become a full time artist was made when I was teaching art down in Cape Town. I was spotted by Jennifer Oppenheimer who decided to use my work as a way of promoting the de Beers conservation initiatives across Africa. They gave me my first artist residency in Kimberley where they had built a man made flamingo breeding island. From there I began to track their migration patterns all across the continent. My paintings helped raise money and awareness of their plight, and ever since I have continued to add to this portfolio.
Your bird paintings seem to capture more than just the physical form—there’s a sense of freedom and flight. What’s your creative process like when bringing these winged creatures to life?
I soon realised that when painting a flock of birds, particularly in flight, you are simply working with a mass of moving colours and shapes. This therefore allowed me to paint on the cusp of abstraction because representing detail and anything figurative was too clunky. I was also interested in the depiction of dynamic motion, so I began to experiment with painting the negative space rather than the multiple positive forms to see if this helped the portrayal of movement. For me it began to ‘work’ so it is still a technique which I am using and experimenting with today.
Jeremy Houghton’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Through his innovative techniques and heartfelt storytelling, he continues to inspire viewers while raising awareness for conservation efforts.
Visit our gallery to experience the magic of his work in person—and bring home a piece of art that speaks to the soul.
Check Out All the Pieces by Jeremy HERE
Further Insights: The Stories Behind the Canvas
For those captivated by Jeremy Houghton’s work and perspective, his essays "Dancing to the Music of Time" and "Royalty, Flamingos, and the Road Home" offer deeper dives into the inspirations and experiences that have shaped his artistic journey.
In Dancing to the Music of Time, Houghton reflects on the rhythmic passage of time and its influence on his creative process, drawing parallels between the fluidity of movement and the narratives he conveys through his art.
In Royalty, Flamingos, and the Road Home, he shares compelling stories from his residencies, including his transformative experience in Africa tracking flamingos and working with conservation projects, blending personal anecdotes with broader reflections on art and nature.
These essays provide a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of an artist who bridges the worlds of conservation and creativity, offering readers an opportunity to connect with the deeper layers of his work. Don’t miss this chance to explore the unique intersections of life, art, and nature that define Jeremy’s journey.
Check Out All the Pieces by Jeremy HERE
