Craig Fairweather, a self-employed businessman and artist from Fern Gore, is rekindling his passion for art. Known to the art world as Craig Jones, Fairweather initially began his career as a photographer, capturing significant life events such as weddings and christenings. However, his growing interest in drawing and painting led him to take art classes, reawakening a dormant love for the craft.

Artistic Evolution

Fairweather’s artistic evolution has been remarkable. His works span a diverse range of subjects – from celebrities and movie characters to landscapes and local scenes. Some of his most notable works include oil paintings of Fern Gore’s sunset, the Coppice in Accrington, and the autumnal views of Priestley Clough. He also transformed his photograph of the Jackhouse Nature Reserve into a captivating painting, demonstrating his ability to blend his love for photography with his newfound passion for painting.

A Look at Craig’s Iconic Figures

Among Fairweather’s works are art pieces featuring iconic figures such as the Joker, the Godfather, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn. These have contributed to his rising fame in the art world. It’s this diversity of subjects, combined with his commitment to experimenting with different mediums like acrylics, pens, markers, and oil paints over the past five years, that has earned him recognition and a growing fan base.

Turning Passion into a Business

Despite the success and recognition, Fairweather’s artistry remains a hobby. But the 54-year-old aspires to transform it into a full-fledged business. His art has already found homes in local galleries such as the Haworth Art Gallery and the Blackburn Art Gallery. His creations have also been sold in art shops and auctions. Beyond his artwork, Fairweather’s creativity extends to crafting Buddhas and garden ornaments. This multi-faceted talent has been self-employed for two decades, founding his business, Mantronica, in 2003. His art can be viewed on his Facebook and Instagram page, titled ‘Craig Jones Artist’.