Jay Northcott is a contemporary printmaker and ceramicist born and raised in Austin, Texas. Currently pursuing a BFA in Studio Art from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, they explore emotion and politics through the forms of animals. Much of their work showcases queer identity, as well as the conflict between societal progression and the degradation of the environment. They are preparing for their student run exhibition Euphemestic Eulogy (2025), as well as their upcoming Thesis show, which will be held at the Texas State Galleries in 2026. They have exhibited at 1906 Gallery in San Antonio, Texas (2025).
ABOUT THE ART
I am a printmaker and stoneware ceramicist born and raised in Austin, Texas. I find myself drawn to the physical processes of making art. Molding clay, carving linoleum and scribing into copper becomes a way to ground myself to my work. Knowing these processes have been used countless times by others who lived thousands of years before me, and will be alive thousands of years after I die, makes me feel human. I want this humanity to be clear to others. Dips in clay, marks in copper, a stray fingernail mark; aggravating at times, these things showcase true dedication to an art form.
The idea of disposability is something that comes up often in my work. As a queer person I typically feel myself “othered” by societal norms and political tensions. By tying my experience to the forms of animals I am able to combine my passions - sustainability, queerness, and art. Living in Texas I see roadkill often and witness indifference and even unnecessary cruelty towards living beings which are seen as disposable and unworthy. To me we are eerily similar - sacrifices that may seem slightly sad to an outsider, but are unfortunate necessities to further advance comfortability. My work intends to combine humanity’s ecological footprint with our social one. Centering disposability, sacrifice and the inhuman, I tie together the experience of being queer with the idea of animals as a casualty of progression.
ABOUT THE SITE
The thing I love most about creating art is that there are no rules or limits to what is allowed. I often worry that the “art world” creates regulations which don't align with my art. White walls, 57 inch centers, and commissions are not what I envision when I think about my art. I understand this to be necessary for the career I’ve chosen, and am lucky to have the opportunity to show in beautiful, clean spaces. My future will be full of plain white walls; why would I choose to create a website that mimics that? Right here my art can be shown in whatever context I see it in. Although I want my art to fit into professional spaces, I see no reason I can’t have fun with its presentation.
