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Comedian Johnny Vegas, who chose Jersey for his debut ceramic art show, opened up on the Bailiwick Podcast about vulnerability, the power of art for mental health, island breakfast spots – and trying to smuggle a tortoise sculpture back on the ferry...
Johnny also discusses why he chose Jersey for his first exhibition - which recently went on display at Private and Public’s Phillips Street gallery - and the feedback he has received so far.
Here's a sneak preview of what Johnny had to say on the podcast, which you can listen to here and below...
"We just went out and about, got in the car - I want to see the entire island.
"We've been to Bohemia, really treated ourselves on Tuesday. I'm a foodie.
"We went for a bit of breakfast yesterday at El Tico - it was great.
He continued: "I want to head out in the morning and drive around the entire circumference of the island. I really want to explore and I've got my easel.
"I really could quite happily lose myself here."
"Me and the traffic are not seeing eye to eye - I will confess that.
"I know people will give me that look of, 'Oh look who it is - can't work out the traffic system here can we?'"
Pictured: Comedian Johnny Vegas has opened his debut art exhibition in Jersey.
"I'm incredibly impressed. I'm impressed with the standard of them and the work that's been placed upon them.
"I notice that they are going to be auctioned off - I bet they are way beyond my price range.
"I've genuinely had a discussion with a mate about one for the garden...
"[Laughs] 'Johnny Vegas did a runner in a hire car on the ferry'."
"I don't think you ever feel ready for that first one.
"I've been very fortunate with the artists and people I have spoken to and showed my work to - they have been incredibly generous and said: 'you're an artist'.
"I'm allowing myself to be proud of it. As someone who leans towards catastrophising it was great to walk in the room and enjoy the work.
"I'm a great believer - from way back with my stand-up - that if you want to display it you have got to accept feedback."
"I think it's vital and I think we have to get beyond that notion of, 'I'm no good at art'.
"With a piece of art, I can put stuff into that, that I might not be comfortable saying out loud.
"Somebody else who may have experienced the same traumas or the same fears can look at that, and will pick up on it.
"I really think art now is needed more than ever."
You can enjoy the full interview with Johnny Vegas below or by searching 'Bailiwick Podcasts' with your favourite podcast provider...
...And if you, like Johnny, fancy catching some of the tortoise sculptures dotted around the island, you can find a full map of Durrell's Tortoise Takeover trail in the FREE digital edition of July's Connect Magazinebelow...
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