Declared Open - The Rock Doctor's Exhibition Surprise

 

Titled 'Oceans, Lakes and Streams' Dr John Jackson, also known as ‘the Rock Doctor’, delves into geology’s turbulent history, through his geoart and storytelling. He’ll take you from deep in prehistoric oceans to towering mountains, through giant rifts and onto inland seas. The powerful stories in rocks are transformed into vibrant, improvised geoart that unlocks unimagined secrets in our landscapes and beaches. 

 

This unique art exhibition is on display in the Old Kirk, Yamba Museum, next to the Gold Club, from 30 December to 27 January. Entry is $5 for adults and children under 15 are free. As you enter via the Yamba Museum you have the added bonus of viewing the Museum’s many fascinating displays. 

 

At the official opening on New Years Eve, Dr Jackson and all who attended, were surprised by a magnificent patchwork piece presented by Janet Pickup to the artist: "On behalf of Maclean Patchwork and Quilters I was asked to present this work of fabric inspired by your paintings. Many years ago in preparation for one of your exhibitions our group was asked to participate.  Several of our members submitted works.This piece is the work of Elizabeth Imrie and friends. Unfortunately Elizabeth is no longer able to produce such exquisite work. Our group wanted to make this presentation to you as evidence of his inspiration and widespread influence of the arts."

 

 

 

The colours and intricate patterns of Dr Jackson's artworks depict the earth’s story - not only are they ‘coloured abstracts they are educational’. His art has been viewed at industry conferences and television appearances on the ABC Regional TV, the Seven Network’s Great South East and the Nine Network’s Extra. 

 

He has presented his paintings, together with their geological stories, on sites across Africa, Portugal, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and throughout Australia. “Dr Jackson is an exceptionally good geologist and petroleum executive, an influential industry advocate, a gifted raconteur, and a creative artist and educationalist.” - D.Knox, APPEA Chairman & Santos CEO, SA.

 

As part of his exhibition at Yamba Museum, John is holding two workshops - ‘How Old Is the Clarence?’ on Wednesday 12th and Tuesday 18th January, 2022, from 11am – 12 noon. Numbers are limited so please text 0418195870 with your name and preferred date, or email: yambamuseumnsw@gmail.com.

 

 

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“THE ROCK DOCTOR”

(Dr. John H. Jackson)

 

John was raised and educated in New England, New South Wales and has lived and worked in Europe, Africa, North America and most States of Australia. His passion is to paint the geological stories of the rocks beneath where he lives and works and to share these geological visions.

 

His paintings—wherever they are done—have a geological story behind them. When he returned to Australia in 2003 he moved to a small farm near Aratula in Queensland’s Scenic Rim where he set up a studio to indulge in his first love since he was a boy—painting. He now lives in the Clarence Valley in New South Wales, close to where he originally started geology.

 

He has presented his paintings, together with their geological stories, on sites across Africa, Portugal, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and throughout Australia. Audiences have included students, engineers, earth scientists, accountants, drilling crews, medical doctors, teachers, local councilors, politicians, farmers, tourists, lawyers, university students and maintenance workers.

 

His art has also “branded” academic and industry conferences together with television appearances on the ABC Regional TV, the Seven Network’s Great South East and the Nine Network’s Extra. John’s artwork has also appeared at exhibitions in Trieste (Italy), Seattle (Washington), Cape Town (South Africa), Brisbane, Canberra and Perth. His next exhibition is due to open in Luanda, Angola in 2022. It will tell the story of the birth of the South Atlantic Ocean.

 

His work has been acquired by the University of New England, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association and a number of corporate and private collectors in Australia and overseas.

 

In 2013 he was awarded the Australian Petroleum Industry’s highest award, it’s Gold Medal (The Reg Sprigg Medal) for outstanding service to industry, art, the environment and education.

 

In 2017 John was elected to the Board of Trustees at the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, where he continues to be involved in earth science education.

 

Email:        info@therockdoctor.com.au

Web:          www.therockdoctor.com.au