Cole’s Creative Canvas

Natalia Vega 
Staff Writer
   Jason Coles has been an art teacher at Bonneville High School for nine years now, he became a teacher in 1995 after graduating with a degree in Art Education from Boise State University. Outside of teaching, he enjoys selling some of his art pieces as a way to earn extra income. One way Coles likes to stay updated on the current trends in the market is by furthering his education, and researching business strategies. Selling his art has influenced Coles' artistic process and style, as his current work is largely shaped by what has sold in the past. A memorable experience for Coles was when he had a painting of cows hanging in his classroom. A safety inspector passing through the building admired it, asked about the price, and ultimately decided to buy it. Coles’ father, who was a teacher himself, inspired Coles to pursue a similar path—only with art instead of photography. Even though Cole enjoys selling his art on the side, his number one priority is teaching.  Coles’ works in some shows, and he paints frequently during the summer break. Coles advises students interested in starting their own art-related businesses that showing  artwork in galleries has a success rate comparable to that of a professional artist making a living from their work; however, people can use their talents and skills if they were to go to an excellent school that teaches art. According to Coles, an artist’s success depends on 10% talent and 90% work.
  To be successful, people have to be willing to put in the time and effort that it takes. Coles has had seven exhibitions since 2007. His latest exhibition was in 2018 at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. Coles’ enjoys painting and selling his art because they show emotion or stories without any words being spoken.  ​