About The Jerusalem Series

“Quasi-religious art.“

Jerusalem is not a place, but a mindset.

In 1997 I started drawing on the back of business cards, just to give me something to do while sitting at the bar.

Over time this format got more spiritual in nature. Eventually I realized art without a transcendent dimension was worthless. 

Over time this became The Jerusalem Series. Quasi-religious art. Some of it is religious in theme, some of it isn’t.

Just like real life- a pinch of saint here, a dash of sinner there…

Inspired by the Rothko Chapel in Houston, a “Jerusalem” is an installation of 120 of these drawings, grouped together en masse to give the viewer a contemplative experience, not unlike listening to the organ in church or temple before the service begins.

I chose the number 120 because that’s how many fit into one of my little portfolios that I use.

Each “Jerusalem” piece will have its own commemorative coffee table book, showing all 120 drawings in close up.

I chose the name, “Jerusalem” because I love the idea of there being a truly Holy place, somewhere closer to God than anywhere else. Hopefully though art, we can all create that same place in our own minds, without the need to travel to the Levant.

If you want to reach out, please contact me at hughcards@gmail.com, thanks.

#006: meditation on our lord

[Part of the “The Jersusalem Series“. Read more about my work/background here.]

#005 the thing about god

[Part of the “The Jersusalem Series“. Read more about my work/background here.]

#03 nobody told me

[Part of the “The Jersusalem Series“. Read more about my work/background here.]

#060: walking around the west village

Postcard sent to Beth Maudlin of Texas, one of my Twitter buddies.

A few days ago, I tweeted out, “The first person to email me wins this original drawing” etc, Beth was the first one to reply. [NB- the tweet has since been deleted].

About the drawing: This time, back in New York City’s West Village in December, 1998, I was shopping for Christmas presents in the snow. It was was one of those moments when life seemed absolutely perfect. Everything was alright in the universe. Those moments had become increasingly non-existent ever since leaving college, it was nice to be back in the flow again.

Read more about “The Scottish Project” here.

#054: but to care

Postcard sent out to Jamie Alexander, an old Cargilfield school chum, now living in Fife, just down the road from St Andrew’s.

Read more about “The Scottish Project” here.

#049: you don’t get smarter with age

Postcard sent to Callum Campbell, an old Edinburgh school chum, now living in Warwickshire.

We weren’t close at school- he was in the year above me, for one thing. But later, I saw him around a lot drinking in Whigham’s Wine Bar, where I worked at during my college vacations.

Read more about “The Scottish Project” here.