VCA2025

Jamie Vardy

Advanced Diploma
2025

Jamie Vardy is a queer multidisciplinary artist working primarily in collage, textiles, sculpture, and printmaking. Her adventurous spirit has led her to explore the outdoors, hiking, cycling, and canoeing to novel and less visited spaces. They take inspiration from the natural world, and relationships between people. Jamie's connections to friends, nature, and their own self-reflection is clear throughout his art, they look forward to these interests continuing to drive their focus. Jamie lives and works in the Golden Horseshoe region. jamievardyart@proton.me

Website: https://jamievardyart.tumblr.com/
Instagram: @jamievardyart

What is an Axe that doesn't Cut?

What is an Axe that doesn't Cut?

by Jamie Vardy

An axe made useless by its materials experiencing a role reversal.

Confinement

Confinement

by Jamie Vardy

The overarching theme in the traumatic experiences I've had is people exerting control over me in some way. This self portrait is based on the image of an insect that has been caught in a jar while also tying in with my love of the outdoors, a place where I feel less like I'm being controlled.

waterless lithography

On a Platter

On a Platter

by Jamie Vardy

This sculpture was inspired by dessert plates my partner found in an abandoned restaurant. With ghostly hands it brings the plates into the context of being delivered by servers, and when carried around at an event the sculpture draws attention to the waitstaff—who might otherwise fade into the background.

plaster cast, found objects

Pacific Fog 1, 2, & 3

Pacific Fog 1, 2, & 3

by Jamie Vardy

This series is inspired by the view of the trees through the fog in the Pacific Northwest, but abstracted to evoke a melancholy and dream-like feeling. It was made by drawing trees in water-soluble marker and pen, then misting it with water to soften the outlines. Salt was then sprinkled on to create the textured, sparkling effect seen in this piece. This combination evokes the ocean air this piece was inspired by.

marker, pen, watercolour, acrylic

Potluck, Campfire, Kettle’s On, Warm Embrace

Potluck, Campfire, Kettle’s On, Warm Embrace

by Jamie Vardy

These linocuts are a byproduct of a work of mine which is in progress. They are all about community, and the iconography is inspired by conversations I've had with my friends about what community means to them and what makes them feel safe with people.

Root Cellar

Root Cellar

by Jamie Vardy

This piece is based on a photo I took in Elliston while visiting my extended family a few years ago. Having been there many times over the years, I feel a strong sense of connection and nostalgia when I'm there. I often find myself craving the taste and smell of the crowberries I pick nearby each time I visit.

SEX//VIOLENCE

SEX//VIOLENCE

by Jamie Vardy

SEX//VIOLENCE explores contrasts: light and dark, sharp and soft, feminine and masculine, hostile and alluring. Originally intended as a simply formal piece, the concept behind this sculpture snuck up on me. It's funny how art has a way of expressing something even when you don't intend it to. This exploration has gone on to influence "Violation".

lace, mechanic's wire

Symbiosis

Symbiosis

by Jamie Vardy

The mushrooms depicted in this work are boletes, a mycorrhrizal fungi which can grow in association with a variety of trees. The trees provide sugars in exchange for minerals from the mycelium. The image of this mutualistic relationship serves as an analog for the relationships I have with the people around me. I am sustained by the community of friends I have built, and these relationships have been very important to me in my process of healing.

multimedia collage

You Can Feel at Home in Your Body Again

You Can Feel at Home in Your Body Again

by Jamie Vardy

This piece is a self portrait based on a photo my friend took of me on a camping trip. I was inspired to make it when I realized I felt comfortable with my body and when close to others for the first time since my experiences of sexual violence.

multimedia collage