Apr 12

Apr 12 Ask an Artist: Interview with James Ort about Inspired by Knepp

Season 6, Episode 4: Interview with James Ort about Inspired by Knepp

In this episode Tom and Peter interview sculptor, teacher and curator, James Ort about his latest project; Inspired by Knepp.

James summarises his journey to becoming an Artist, from always drawing as a child, studying biology, working in conservation and returning to his art when he moved back to Oxfordshire in 2010, to help his family run The Phoenix Studio. James has been running the studio and regularly teaching there, as well as developing his own artistic practice, ever since.

As a wildlife Artist and passionate conservationist, it was when James read the book “Wilding” by Isabella Tree during the pandemic that he was first introduced to Knepp. From there he researched the rewilding movement, Knepp’s specific input and impact and the germination of an art project idea began. James talks passionately and inspirationally about nature, biodiversity loss and the rewilding movement; he knew he wanted to do something more to help.

The result is Inspired by Knepp; an upcoming exhibition in May 2024 (hopefully the first of many) together with a series of workshops, led by 13 Artists brought together by James. All the Artists share similar characteristics of being inspired and influenced by nature. The event will take place at the Knepp Estate and raise money for the Knepp Wildland Foundation.

In the second half of the episode, James talks in more detail about what Inspired by Knepp has become; his role as project manager / curator, the timeline of the project and the skills needed (or those he has had to develop) to organise such a project.

This week’s takeaway… James leaves us with some advise for anyone considering a similar project; if you feel worried, fearful or a sense of imposter syndrome, know this is normal and you are certainly not the only one. Mistakes will be made along the way but that’s okay and you will learn for next time. It is usually better to try than not, to do something than nothing. If you are passionate about the cause, it’s certainly worth it and use this passion to keep you motivated when the challenges ultimately come along.

During the episode, James refers to a couple of other podcasts, a documentary and of course Knepp itself. All the relevant links are below:

Exhibition webpage: https://knepp.co.uk/art