Jackton Art Stories: Evoking Emotion Through Art

If you have read our first blog post, you will know that the reason we started Jackton Art was to help connect people to places that mean so much to them. This has always been Jackton Art's primary goal; whether it’s a memory of a loved one, a life-changing moment, or simply a place that brings comfort, art has the power to transport us back in time, and we hope to invoke that wonderful feeling each time you pass one of our pieces on your wall at home.

There are so many stories we’ve heard along the way, some of which have moved us to tears, others that have left us in awe. We’ve often said we should write a book about the stories we’ve been a part of, but for now, we’d like to share a few of the most memorable:

A Touching Encounter at a Market

One of the most emotional moments we’ve had was at a market when an elderly gentleman approached us. He loved our Scottish prints and said his wife would adore them too. He took our details and went home to browse the collection online. Later that day, he came back and selected two prints—one for himself and one for his wife. When we asked which piece his wife had picked, he told us, “No, I chose it for her. She died last year, but this is the one she would have chosen if she was still here.” We were in bits after he left, and are still brought near-enough to tears thinking about it now.

Art That Connects to Personal History

We’ve heard so many stories about how our art evokes memories of life-changing events. One of the most unique commissions was from a lady who wanted us to put a fiery sky behind the Glasgow School of Art. It reminded her of her hen night in Glasgow, the night the building caught fire. She worked at the school next to the building, so when the fire broke out, she got a few extra days off to recover from the celebration!

Then there’s the lady who was brought to tears by our Forth Bridges print. The artwork connected her to her great-grandfather, who tragically died while working on the bridge. For her, the print wasn’t just a depiction of a Scottish landmark—it was a tribute to her family’s history.

Glasgow School of Art

Landscapes and Memories of Scotland

Our art also holds a special place for people who have a connection to Scotland’s rugged landscapes. A retired countryside warden from Skye happened across our drawing of the Cuillin Ridge. He had lived on the island, and our artwork depicted the place where his bothy used to be, which had only been accessible by boat. Seeing the place again, he was overcome with nostalgia. Another day with no dry eyes!

Similarly, our friends commissioned us to draw Edinburgh on a calm, misty morning from the perspective of Arthur’s Seat - the spot where they scattered their late father’s ashes. That piece now takes pride of place in their living room, a constant reminder of their father and that special place he adored.

Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat on a Misty Morning

Milestones and Gifts of Art

Sometimes, our art marks important milestones. During the pandemic, a student commissioned a drawing of the University of Glasgow cloisters. She had studied remotely for the year, only attending the campus for her graduation. For many GU students, the cloisters serve as an important symbol of graduating as they're a common backdrop for graduation photos - even more so to those who, up until this point, had been unable to attend the building in person! To mark the occasion, she gifted the print to each of her classmates, who she had never met in person until that day.

Our first retirement commission was for the Teacher Building in Glasgow. The staff at a company asked us to create a print as a retirement gift for their founder. The emotional response from him and his family was immensely moving. The company and the building had been such a constant in their lives, providing them with innumerable highs and lows throughout a long and memorable career, and this artwork became a lasting reminder of their journey together. Leaving was a real wrench for them, but we were honoured to help mark the retirement in such a positive way.

The Teacher Building

Places are more than just physical locations—they carry the memories and emotions of the people who have experienced them. A simple drawing or print can encapsulate years of history, loss, joy, and connection. That’s why we’re so grateful to be able to create meaningful Scottish art that holds these memories for others.

As we look back on the last five years, we are humbled by the stories we’ve been lucky enough to be a part of. We’re forever proud to continue connecting people with the places and memories they love, and are honoured to be part of your journey.

The Jackton Art team x