jacob watts

summer artist in residence july-October 2025

All work is for sale unless otherwise noted. Please reach out to our residency director, Maddy, below for any inquiries!

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jacob watts

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Socially Distanced is an exploration of the intersection between photography, sculpture, and design, encapsulating the essence of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a meticulous process of photographing subjects, manipulating colors, and incorporating CDC virus data, this series of framed artworks transcends traditional boundaries. Each piece in this collection features subjects that have been photographed, color-manipulated, printed, and meticulously cut out, with their feet remaining attached to the print. This unique technique allows the cutout figures to lean forward within the frame, casting natural shadows that infuse the artworks with a dynamic, lifelike quality. Drawing inspiration from simple design elements and the ever-evolving data surrounding the pandemic, Socially Distanced captures the essence of a time when standing apart became a necessity. The deliberate positioning of the figures within the frames reflects the real-life adjustments and considerations that shaped our interactions during this period. Through the laborious process of creating these framed environments, I found a cathartic release from the anxieties of uncertainty. By reflecting on and manipulating measurable designs, I was able to channel my energy into a playful exploration of form and space, offering viewers a glimpse into a transformative period in our collective history.

Bio: Jacob Watts is an artist residing in Chicago Illinois that specializes in image manipulation. Through digital and physical manipulation, he seeks to push the boundaries of photography to blend with illustration and sculpture. Jacob found a love for art around the age of thirteen and developed an early aesthetic that has grown with him over the years. Initially he used stock imagery to composite his artworks but often found those images to be limiting. This inspired him to photograph his subjects and sceneries himself which grew into a stock imagery base of his own to use. Inspired by this process, he went to Columbia College Chicago for a BFA in photography. This experience massively helped shape, structure, and inform his art practices. He currently resides in Chicago, and is the creator of the giant moose blowing bubblegum mural. Working as a photographer, retoucher, and artist, Jacob is always pushing his creative ideas. Currently, he is experimenting in photo-based sculptures as seen in his “Socially Distanced” series.