artiste d'mon >>> jaret vadera

Looking through the eyes of
Vadera
Interview by: silverio pantalla

Who is Jaret Vadera?
I’m not really sure; I am different person depending on what I’m doing. I don’t really believe in the idea of having a set character.

What do you call art?
Art is anything that is life enhancing.

Do you choose your subjects or do they choose you?
I choose my subjects, mostly out of a desire or a need to resolve the issues for myself; the art is just a record of my journey.

What is "Erosion"?
Erosion is an underlying theme in a lot of the work I have been doing for the last few years.

I discuss how as we try to understand or verbalize our experiences we end up breaking them down and draining them of all their magic.

I also discuss the erosion of the body through the process of aging and the psychological effects that it has on us.

What is your most important goal in life as a person and as an artist?
To be happy, to just let go and to be in the moment.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet and why?
I would normally answer Gandhi, for he is the most poignant example - I can think of – of how vision and persistence can change the world in the face of insurmountable odds.

But I think that my admiration of famous people or historical figures are more about what I project on them and less about who they really are, so maybe I wouldn’t want to meet Gandhi for fear of being let down.

What is "The After a Glimpse Over the Top Series"?
The After a Glimpse Over the Top Series refers to the psychological liberation and the burden that is part of coming to terms with growing old, dying and the fragility of our existence.

Who have been some of your main influences as an artist and as a person?
There are so many, too many I think.

I am moved by anyone who is courageous and confident in the face of adversity.

What are your immediate plans for the future?
In the next few months, I want to go and live in another city. I’m not really sure where I want to go as yet, but I am itching for a new adventure.

Artistically, I want to push my work a lot further and experiment with my new digital camera and try making some video and installation work.