Paintings by James F. Jackson
Artist Statement
The combination of paintings in this show give a good sense of my working and creative process. Unlike many artists that work in one particular "style", my approach to painting comes out of a need to be open to all possible means and levels of expression and design for each work that I consider. You will notice different rendering methods and multiple levels of "Realism". In some of the paintings there is an emphasis on simplification in color and design. Intensified color and stylization of imagery create a whole new reality. When design concerns (relating to color and balance) and the rendering process override the necessity to solidify the image, the painting focus is on those processes. The starting point for other works comes when I draw circles and lines in an effort to find a certain dynamic in the shape of the panel. When I sense this dynamic is achieved through this integration of lines, I then create (through predilection) an image as subject matter, thus completing the metaphor of the two dimensional plane.
I have painted the image of the Native American because I sense in their culture a beautiful simplicity. Taking artistic liberty to rearrange and create a reality that is dictated more by the design, color, and rendering methods than the subject matter, these methods and processes are the real subject matter and the heart (poetic soul) of my visual work. Much of the strength for my work is derived from an intense visual curiosity. The work not only realizes my experience, but also anticipates possible directions and further experience.
James F. Jackson - 2007