Jason Mitcham, an artist hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, experienced a heartbreaking loss when his childhood home was demolished in 2011. The local government seized the property via eminent domain to make way for the expansion of what was then High Point Road, now known as Gate City Boulevard. Despite the physical absence of his home, Mitcham found a way to preserve its memory through his poignant stop-motion film titled “Ever Behind the Sunset.”
In this touching film, Mitcham artfully combines expressive paintings with audio recordings from his mother and personal home videos from the 1980s. The result is a dreamlike portrayal of loss, grief, and remembrance, capturing the essence of a place that holds deep sentimental value for the artist.
The film serves as a tribute to the series of hardships that Mitcham and his family endured, including the collapse of his father’s business, their subsequent bankruptcy, and the passing of both parents. It also pays homage to the community’s fight against the commercial development that forever altered their neighborhood.
For those interested in delving deeper into Mitcham’s creative process and inspiration, a behind-the-scenes video offers insight into the making of “Ever Behind the Sunset.” His website and Instagram account provide a comprehensive archive of his films and canvas works, inviting viewers to explore his artistic journey and evolution.
Additionally, Mitcham’s paintings, such as those depicting a man in a construction hat or a serene pond surrounded by billboards, offer a glimpse into his unique artistic style and thematic exploration. His work evokes a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the impermanence of physical spaces.
For art enthusiasts who appreciate storytelling through visual mediums, Jason Mitcham’s work is a compelling blend of personal narrative and artistic expression. Through his films and paintings, he invites audiences to connect with the universal themes of memory, loss, and resilience, resonating with those who have experienced similar moments of upheaval and transformation in their own lives.
