Jacek Yerka – Imagination And Intricacy

I first encountered Jacek Yerka’s work via a blog I frequent and as soon as I did, I knew I’d found something special.

I’ve never studied art so I can’t use fancy terms to explain what it means or why I like it, but I do find certain art works and artists inspiring. Needless to say I like pieces that tell a story and count Henri Rosseau and Frida Kahlo as two of my other favourite artists.

Jacek Yerka was born in Poland in 1952. He came from an artistic family and as a child used art to escape from social problems he had with others. He studied fine art and graphic design, developing a detailed style, somewhat against the broader fashion of the day and in 1980 he became a full time artist.

There is no doubt that his paintings tell stories and they remind me of other creative works like the films of Hayao Misaki or the books of Tolkien. But Yerka’s imagery is very much his own and, although some work comes from dreams and imagination, he states his greatest influence is the Polish landscape and the places he grew up.

The mix of imagined worlds with intricate detail is right up my street. Perhaps it’s something to do with my liking of dollshouses and dioramas. The same detail is present in alot of Frida Kahlo’s work, which I also love.

One day I hope to save up enough to buy one of his pieces as they’re not on the cheap side, but absolutely worth it. In the meantime I’ve managed to find a more affordable option to having his work in my home.

Earlier this year whilst trying to find a new calendar I found this beauty. Twelve whole images from the man himself.

The images are amazing and after I’ve finished the year I can cut them out to adorn my walls whilst I wait to be able to get a real version. The detail is both exquisite and fun.

This one has a distinct “Alice in Wonderland” vibe and check out the strawberry soup bubbling over the fire!

This one is my favourite.

There’s a distinct “Lord of The Rings” feeling about this one – it made me think very strongly of Lothlorien where the Galadhrim live.

There’s much more than what I’ve included here so get over to Yerkaland to be inspired. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Related reads

Take a Trip to Zozoville

Walking in Middle Earth – Puzzlewood

Watts Gallery Artist’s Village, Compton, UK

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