Today we’d like to introduce you to Dirt Lux.
Dirt Lux, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“This little light of mine, shame and forgiveness.”
Dirt Lux is an artistic identity created by me, Jason Lieder. Born in 1983, I was raised in rural Texas by wealthy, abusive, Christian families who raised cattle and attended rodeos. My first encounter with art came in the form of an art book that contained Native American works—images of men with painted bodies and ornate jewelry riding horses. It inspired me. I wanted to spend my time independently expressing myself, decorating myself as I saw fit and feel spiritually connected to a world that was not controlled by anyone else. Art became an alternative to participating in and upholding the destructive culture I had been raised in. Art freed my mind and body and self-expression provided a way to hear and share my voice in a safe, supportive space.
I have been based in Boston, Massachusetts for the past ten years. I work across digital and traditional mediums to create new pieces for various exhibitions and clients. My work has been featured in various art shows across the city, including Art Plug, the Inner Sanctum and the Emerson Uncommon Project. I have also created animations for musical artists in the city as well as sculptures in VR.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Pfft… about as smooth as the dirt road I grew up on.
Stepping up as a professional artist is a hard ass trick to pull off. I have taken serious physical, financial, mental health and relationship risks during my career. Moreover, it takes a lot of resilience, dusting yourself off after many failed knocks on doors before finding the right opportunities where art is appreciated and celebrated. Throughout my career, I have felt external pressure from institutions, peers and family to create work that suits a particular taste or value system—like academic art, fine jewelry or religious art. I have grown to reject those pressures as much as possible and create high-quality work that reflects my interest and spirit. As a result, my practice over the last 17 years has evolved in so many unexpected ways. I am grateful that I have continued to work at it despite so many crashes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dirt Lux – what should we know?
Dirt Lux is a disrespect to luxury culture: an affront to materialism and its associated environmental and physical costs to our world. So instead of “deluxe” I created ‘Dirt Lux’ and I use this platform to make a statement about our most vulnerable selves—to create a portrait of a world that always craves something new and shiny and unveil what that really looks like, the drugs we use to get by and the pain that we put ourselves through.
I created Dirt Lux as a free space for my design and art. I work solo and collaboratively with local artists, in both public and private spaces. My approach uses drawing, painting and digital techniques like animation and VR, reflecting how stimulated I am by the world around me. This goes beyond the art and manifests in my being itself—I am known for showing up to the party with less than a full shirt on and dancing until I am way too sweaty, embracing moments and soaking in the environment in which I exist.
If my art was going to do anything for anyone in the world, I hope it shows others how simple and powerful it is to use your own voice, create your own style, and not feel intimidated to produce your own art. I hope that my own journey and self-expression helps others share more of their authentic self, even if that process is painful and has consequences. We do not have to carry on in ways that have always been accepted. There are so many different ways to exist and no single “right way” to do things, and I hope that my work and persona inspires others to see the value in doing and being different.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Since 2014, I have participated in around 50 shows and events in the Boston area. I have received so much love and support from the Boston creative community. It has been so motivating and helps me so much to keep producing and growing. Family members, partners and friends have given so much. Every viewer that has offered compliments. Every artist that has expressed interest to collaborate with me. Every client that has purchased work, both large and small. Every organizer or promoter that has invited me to show work at their event. My manager and representative, Shalini Pammal. I have learned so much from so many.
Thought there are far too many to mention, these are a few IG handles of friends, clients and supporters– because in this line of work, it is so important that we all continue to support each other and succeed together.
@baddecisionscollective
@decofam
@cauctease
@simmetrigram
@Illuminusboston
@materials_methods
@bostonhassle
@thelastgekko
@massaprl
@mmbressler
@industry_lab
@illdigitalllc
@steadyleanin
@bobbybangers
@_cesarmanuel_
@migladi
@muchodisco
@bstnflow
@artplug.bos
@homegrownboston
@zenith.narcissu
@radicalblackgirl
@wavysight
@j.fkn.p
@6876z900v021e046z357vv
and so many more.
Contact Info:
- Address: 213 California Street,
Newton, MA 02458 - Website: www.dirtlux.com
- Email: dirtlux@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dirtlux
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dirtlux
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/dirtlux
Image Credit:
Jason Lieder
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
