Podcast Summary: Homing In – Episode Featuring Jonny Gent
Title: Jonny Gent: Music, Martinis, and Mayhem from the Founder of Sessions Arts Club
Release Date: June 28, 2024
Host: Matt Gibberd, Co-founder of The Modern House
Guest: Jonny Gent, Artist and Restaurateur
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Homing In, Matt Gibberd engages in an unfiltered and profound conversation with Jonny Gent, the dynamic founder of Sessions Arts Club, an inspirational restaurant located in Clerkenwell. Recorded amidst a bustling lunch service at Sessions Arts Club, the dialogue reflects Jonny’s vibrant personality—unstructured, poetic, and generously revealing. Jonny, a brilliant painter with a diverse body of work ranging from the sexually charged to tender still lifes honoring his late mother, shares insights into his unconventional upbringing, artistic journey, and the creation of his unique hospitality spaces.
Childhood and Upbringing
Jonny Gent opens up about his formative years, detailing an upbringing immersed in the atmosphere of a pub. Growing up above the Northgate Arms in Cheshire, a pub managed by his parents, Jonny was exposed to a constant influx of around 500 strangers daily. This environment fostered a deep sense of isolation in terms of his perception of beauty, as he felt disconnected from the people around him who did not share his aesthetic sensibilities.
Jonny Gent [00:13]: "The simple answer is that I felt totally alone in terms of what I found beautiful. I didn't feel that the people I had around me thought the same as I did or saw the things that I saw. I've always felt on the outside looking in. Always."
Despite this isolation, Jonny’s father’s successful management of the pub instilled in him a strong sense of confidence. The expansive environment allowed Jonny to cultivate secret spots and imaginative retreats from a young age, laying the groundwork for his future as an artist and restaurateur.
Artistic Journey
Jonny’s passion for art was evident early on. He pursued his artistic education at Edinburgh Art School, where he quickly began selling his work, despite initially lacking knowledge about the art world. A serendipitous encounter with casting director Des Hamilton, whom Jonny convinced to invest in his paintings, set the stage for his international success. This partnership enabled him to establish art studios across more than 20 countries, each uniquely tailored to his creative process.
Jonny Gent [09:17]: "I was a car salesman at heart. That's really all I am."
Jonny describes himself as a salesman of beauty, adept at engaging with collectors and creating immersive experiences that blend art, food, and music. His work often explores human complexity, a reflection of his upbringing surrounded by the raw and varied emotions of pub patrons.
Sessions Arts Club and Both House
Sessions Arts Club is more than just a restaurant; it is a manifestation of Jonny’s vision to intertwine art, food, and music into a seamless experience. The establishment gained immediate popularity, known for its elusive entrance and atmospheric ambiance, where guests navigate through dark corridors to reach a vibrant, lively space filled with impeccable music and curated art.
Jonny Gent [20:48]: "Journey, yeah. I think building that."
Both House, located in the Scottish Highlands, serves as a creative retreat for artists. Inspired by concepts like Black Mountain College, Both House emphasizes healing and self-sufficiency, stripping away modern distractions to foster genuine creativity. The space encourages residents to engage deeply with their art, leaving behind tangible creations that contribute to an ongoing archive of experiences.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jonny shares heartfelt anecdotes about his long-term relationship with his wife, Natalie, whom he met during his school days. Their enduring bond provides him with stability amidst his dynamic and often tumultuous career. Natalie’s unwavering support allows Jonny to pursue his artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors with confidence.
Jonny Gent [42:07]: "She is the anchor to it all. And the stability through, like, those moments talking, you know, where you..."
Their relationship, built on mutual respect and understanding, exemplifies Jonny’s belief in kindness and genuine connections as fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life.
Reflections and Future Plans
Reflecting on his life's journey, Jonny emphasizes the importance of kindness and intrigue over grand achievements. He expresses a desire to be remembered not for monumental works but for the small, meaningful interactions and creations that reflect his true self.
Jonny Gent [55:53]: "I would hope that they would see me as someone that is full of intrigue and kind. And that's really. If I get that, then I'm. Then I'm. I've. I've done more than enough."
Looking ahead, Jonny envisions expanding Both House’s residency program, allowing more creatives to immerse themselves in an environment conducive to authentic artistic expression. His future plans also include continuing to evolve Sessions Arts Club, maintaining its status as a sanctuary for those seeking a blend of art, music, and culinary excellence.
Notable Quotes
- Jonny Gent [00:13]: "I've always felt on the outside looking in."
- Jonny Gent [09:17]: "I was a car salesman at heart. That's really all I am."
- Jonny Gent [20:48]: "Journey, yeah. I think building that."
- Jonny Gent [42:07]: "She is the anchor to it all."
- Jonny Gent [55:53]: "I would hope that they would see me as someone that is full of intrigue and kind."
Conclusion
This episode of Homing In offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Jonny Gent, a man whose upbringing in a bustling pub, combined with his relentless pursuit of beauty and romance, has shaped a career that seamlessly blends art and hospitality. Jonny’s reflections on home, creativity, and personal relationships provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what it truly means to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful. Whether through his paintings, the vibrant atmosphere of Sessions Arts Club, or the serene retreats of Both House, Jonny Gent continues to redefine the intersection of art and living, embodying the essence of what home reveals about our identities.