Jake's biography
Jake Lever's biography
"I approach my practice as a contemplative activity. My images are often derived from fragments of medieval paintings, frescoes and icons. Recently the hand has provided a focus for my work, a framework for the exploration of frailty, vulnerability and the presence of the divine.
My work is created using an intaglio printmaking technique. Plates are made in a very physical way, scoring and cutting into the surfaces. Gold leaf is often applied to the paper prior to printing, making each piece unique. I think of these works as contemporary icons, points of stillness amidst a fast turning world."
Jake Lever Curriculum Vitae
Biography
1963 Born in Hertford, England
1981-85 BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, Reading University
1988-89 PGCE in Art, Bretton Hall, University of Leeds
1992-94 MA Degree in Fine Art, University of Central England
Selected Exhibitions
1986 End of Residency Show, Radley College, near Oxford (solo)
1987 York Art Space, University of York
1987 Long Gallery, University of Newcastle (solo)
1990 Paperworks, The Black Swan Guild, Somerset
1991-93 Tearaways, Craftspace Touring show, touring nationally
1992 Prints in Progress, Malvern Workshop, Malvern
1995 William Gear: Past and Present Friends, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
1997 Hours, Old Grammar School, Kings Norton, Birmingham
2000 Panel Paintings, Wilson Stephens Fine Art, London
2001 A Still Point, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
2002 Mixed exhibition, The Stour Gallery, Shipston-on-Stour
2003 Mixed exhibition, The Stour Gallery, Shipston-on-Stour
2004 Group Show, Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe
2005 Watchers and Holy Ones (solo, touring)
2005 Mixed Doubles, Art First, London
2006 Watchers and Holy Ones (solo, touring)
2006 Three Choirs Festival, The Courtyard, Hereford
2006 A Hundred Hands, installation at Hailes Church, Gloucestershire
2007 Watchers and Holy Ones, Worcester Cathedral (tour ends)
2007 The Fifth Annual Art Show, Presteigne
2007 Centre and Circumference, Greenbelt Festival
2008 Centre and Circumference, Wallspace, London
2008 The Holy Fool of Hailes, installation at Hailes Church, Gloucestershire
2009 Greenbelt Festival
2010 Hailes Pilgrimage, Gloucestershire
Residencies, Awards and Publications
1984 University of Reading Travel Grant
1985-86 Artist-in-Residence at Radley College, Abingdon, Oxon
1995-00 Artist-in-Residence at the Old Grammar School, Kings Norton
2000 Creative Ambition Award from Arts Council West Midlands
2005 Cover for An Indian Rug Surprised by Snow, a collection of poetry by Adam Strickson, Wrecking Ball Press
2005 Watchers and Holy Ones, a full colour booklet with meditations by Chris Thorpe
2005 - 06 Artist-in-Residence at Hailes Church, Gloucestershire
Collections
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Private collections in Britain and abroad
Community Arts and Education Experience
I am passionate about the importance of arts in education. I draw upon my work as a practising artist in developing projects with children, teachers and adult learners within classroom, studio and gallery contexts.
Qualifications/Training/Experience
1981-85 BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, Reading University
1988-89 PGCE in Art, Bretton Hall, University of Leeds
1992-94 MA Degree in Fine Art, University of Central England
1985-86 Artist-in-Residence at Radley College, Abingdon, Oxon
1987-88 Teacher of Art Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley
1989-91 Teacher of Art, Stuart Bathurst RC High School, Wednesbury
1991-94 Head of Art, Stuart Bathurst RC High School, Wednesbury
1994-99 Education Officer, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham
1999-2002 Education and Community Co-ordinator, Craftspace Touring
2002- Head of Community Arts, Cheltenham Bournside School and Sixth Form Centre