Meet 16-year-old Jasmine ‘Jazz’ Lancaster Merton, who turned self-belief into a masterpiece – winning the young archie competition with a portrait as warm, bold, and heartfelt as her creative spirit.
When Jazz heard her name announced as the winner of the NSW Art Gallery’s Young Archie competition (16–18 age category) for her self-portrait My name is Jazz, it took a moment to sink in.
She recalls being ‘absolutely elated! It was unbelievable when they first announced my name, and I had to take a second to make sure it was actually happening.’
This year wasn’t Jazz’s first time entering the prestigious competition, but it marked a turning point. After entering previously without placing, Jazz wanted to show her improvement with a bold self-portrait that celebrates her vulnerability and resilience.
WHY JAZZ PAINTS WITH PURPOSE
‘I chose a self-portrait as a tribute to myself,’ says Jazz. ‘It’s so stigmatised to appreciate or be proud of yourself, or even just to love yourself. I will always be the first person there for myself – and I’ve been through a lot. I wanted the work to show who I am and that I’m proud of myself.’
That message of self-acceptance shines through in her richly layered oil painting, Jazz’s first-ever portrait in the medium. What began as a simple bust sketch evolved into a full-body composition after taking some reference photos – and that’s when things really started to take shape.
The painting shows Jazz in her bedroom, where her creativity thrives. ‘This was to create a sense of truth and vulnerability. My room is where I feel the most like myself and it really represents me as a person, so nothing was arranged, it’s just true to life. The dogs were never meant to be in it, but they ran in and sat perfectly mid-shoot and I thought they made a really interesting composition so left them in.’
HOW SHE DEVELOPED HER CREATIVE STYLE
Jazz’s creativity has always been a constant presence. ‘I can’t remember a time when art wasn’t part of my life,’ she says. ‘It’s always been such a passion.’
As her style continues to evolve, one theme remains at the heart of Jazz’s work – warmth. ‘I love using rich, warm colours. It feels so comforting and homey, and it makes creating a lot more comfortable,’ she explains. ‘I love to use warm tones and complementary colours to make a visual impact.’
This warmth isn’t just a stylistic choice – it’s also a reflection of her personality. ‘Most of my work is very full and rich,’ she says. ‘I’m a huge maximalist and really hate blank spaces, so I think that shows through my art. But there are so many other concepts I’d love to explore in the future that I think will represent me even more deeply.’
At the moment, Jazz is focused on developing her skills in anatomy and figure drawing. ‘I’m really into proportionately drawing people,’ she says. ‘I still have a lot of improving to do, but it’s my top priority right now.’
ART AS A TOOL FOR COMFORT
Despite her success, Jazz approaches her art with an admirable ease and self-awareness. ‘Art, to me, is a comfort tool. Sometimes I need a break from it, and that’s okay. I remind myself I don’t have to like everything I make.
Feeling like everything has to be “good” all the time takes the expression out of my work. It’s very important for me to just be able to create absent-mindedly at times.’
When creativity lags, she doesn’t push. Instead, she lets the moment pass or makes something just for the sake of it. ‘Art shouldn’t be forced – it should happen when it happens.’
WHERE SHE FINDS DAILY INSPIRATION
Jazz finds endless inspiration in the people around her – especially her friends. ‘I love to draw people I know,’ she says. ‘Sometimes in class I’ll sketch whoever’s in front of me.’ These everyday observations have shaped her artistic eye and deepened her appreciation for the human form. ‘I find so much beauty in people. Studying what they look like, to draw them, has shown me that. There’s art in everyone, and I love being able to recreate it on paper.’
One constant companion in her process? Music. ‘Always,’ Jazz comments. ‘I find I can’t think straight or really get in the zone without it. I love theatrical music. While making my Archies painting, I just listened to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat – it’s perfect painting music.’
BUILDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH CREATIVE COURAGE
Over time, Jazz has learned to be kind to herself, even when a piece doesn’t go to plan. ‘I just remember that I’ve made art I’m proud of before, and that proves I can do it again. If the artwork isn’t working out now, something better will come. Every piece teaches me something.’
Confidence, she says, has come through exposure – putting her work out there, entering competitions, and hearing how others respond. ‘The more feedback I get from people, the more I know how people receive my work and it builds a nice amount of confidence.’
Her advice to others who are hesitant to share their art? ‘Go for it! Exposure will always be good for your work. There will always be an audience for what you have to offer. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it will be to find them.’
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JAZZ’S ART?
Winning the Young Archie award has shifted what Jazz sees as possible. ‘It’s always been my dream to follow my passion, and I was going to do that whether I won or not – but this makes it so much more of a reality.’
As for what’s next, Jazz’s next project will be her HSC major work. ‘I don’t know what it’ll be yet, but I’d love to do a body of work. I’ve got so many ideas, it’ll be hard to pick just one, but I can’t wait to bring it to life.’
In the meantime, Jazz continues to embrace her creative path with a beautifully grounded sense of self, shaped by unwavering confidence. As her artistry grows, so too will the impact of her work – and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
INTERVIEW: Sonja Hiscoe
PHOTOGRAPHY: © Art Gallery Of New South Wales, Mim Stirling, & Mark Merton
This article was originally published under the title Art & Soul in Issue 48 – From the Heart. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
