Jonathan Edwards – Artist statement

The environment, inspiration for my work.

Jonathan Edwards – South African Artist Working in Abstract Painting, digital prints  and Sculpture

I am a South African artist whose work explores the relationship between man and nature. Through abstract painting and contemporary sculpture, I examine the environmental tension created by modern development, overpopulation, and humanity’s ever-growing impact on the natural world.

My visual language contrasts organic forms with structured, geometric shapes—symbolising the ongoing conflict between human systems and natural ecosystems. The materials, lines, textures, and colour palettes in my work are carefully chosen to reflect imbalance, transformation, and the possibility of renewal.

Each piece begins with a question: how do we live in a world we continue to reshape and consume? And can there still be balance between growth and preservation?

Whether expressed through large-scale paintings or layered sculptures, my art invites reflection on the fragile beauty of our surroundings, and our responsibility toward it.

Technique and method

I work in two main media at the moment: acrylic and digital.

On the traditional side, I have been working exclusively in acrylic. It is for me a more immediate medium, taking less time to dry and allowing for the subtle build-up of colour nuances and a dynamic transparency in many instances.

I believe digital is a replacement to the silkscreen, etching and lino print-making processes.

The effort and struggle of the physical process of the print craft is no longer a factor for me (which for many artists is part of the passion and what makes etching, silkscreen and lino prints unique), being freed from its traditional constraints allows me time to concentrate on the concept and the creative flow. Herein lies the major advantage of technology. 

The numerous brushes, layer techniques, and image-manipulations that are possible with a computer allow for a different imagery and mark to that of the traditional print. The digital file replaces the ‘etching plate’ and a specific limited edition is set. Only this number is printed, just as in the past with the traditional methods. The prints are not reproductions of paintings but are true and unique, limited–edition, Giclée prints.