VALE JAMIN SWANEVELD
Artist extraordinaire, extraordinary human.
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| Photo credit: ASHLEIGH WEBB |
Jamin was a creative giant in the area. A talented artist who drew and sculpted, this combined with his builder's background created amazing fantasy and whimsical pieces. He went on to become one of the most respected tattoo artists in Australia.
A man who touched people not only with his talent but with his genuine good nature and personality.
I first met Jamin when I first moved into the area nearly two decades ago. He had just opened up a space next to a Nursery called WillowWoods in Belgrave to showcase his art. It was a magical place. A hexagonal cabin surrounded by fantasy-themed gardens with a bridge crossing to a little nook over the creek. Inside where sculptured models of wizards, dragons with other items like birdhouses books with ornates covers and random items like swords, helmets and shields, and smaller pieces like mushrooms and candles. I would pop in a just chat about anything, he had that charismatic personality and being a natural storyteller, he could hold an audience for ages.
Sadly, WillowWoods didn’t pan out as planned and Jamin took a leap into the great unknown and decided to start up his own tattoo parlour Last Frontier in Upwey. A passion that combined his natural talent in drawing, patience and his natural rapport with people. Within a decade he had become one of the most respected skin artists in the country. He had built a unique shop, a cabinet of curiosities that was a million miles removed from the type of establishment often associated with the industry. With this success came the ability to travel and research the art he so much loved. His unique style and willingness to work with customers made him hugely popular. During COVID, unable to work from the shop, he decided to move the business to his home in Cockatoo where he rebuilt the shop's fantasy interior in a separate studio. This was all to be ready to roll out early this year but sadly this will no longer take place. Besides being an artist and builder Jamin had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He had two projects an old 1952 Ford pickup and a steampunk themed Harley motorbike that was showcased in national magazines.
The world has lost a wonderfully creative talent and a true gentleman, a man whose passing has affected many in the community as they realise how much a change he made in their lives and I cannot begin to understand the loss his family is suffering. But if you reap what you sow in this life Jamin is currently walking through a field of gold.
Rest In Peace great man. I'll see ya when I'm looking at ya.
OTHER ARTICLES THAT JAMIN APPEARED IN THAT WERE PUBLISHED IN THE PAST.
Willowwoods -Where I fist met Jamin and how he inspired me to start creating again
Jamin the Artist An early article of his move to Last Frontier
Last Frontier A review of Last Frontier.
My Hobbit Hole That time Jamin gave me his unfinished Hobbit house from Willow Woods.
