Iranian-American artist, John Mazaheri, recently joined the growing portfolio of artists at Jack Art Gallery.
In the past few years John has mostly painted oil on canvas and has done drawings with pen, ink, and watercolor. John has always loved and practised abstraction, but sometimes his work does not seem truly abstract simply because the inspiration comes from nature. John loves indeed the sky, the horizon, deserts, mountains, but his intention is not to represent them in a conscious way. John just want to express his feelings and sensations, which are definitely of spiritual source. One may call John's works abstract landscapes.
John did his high school in Paris and studied art at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts (Paris) from 1970 to 1976. He graduated with a degree in printmaking (equivalent MFA) and taught this art at the College of Decorative Arts and French at the French Institute in Tehran for several years; then he moved to the United States with his family in 1984, after having earned a Master’s degree in French literature from Aix-en-Provence, France. In 1989, John got his Ph.D. in French from Brown University. He has taught at Auburn University in Alabama since then. John regularly participate in juried shows in America.
See John's work at www.jackartgallery.com/john-mazaheri
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
An Interview with Matthew Linden King
Art is all around us, and creativity is sewn alongside the thread of existence. I create because it is instinctive within me to do so. To create is to believe in truth, and my desire to do so is not something I must conjure but something I must refuse. My recent work has been an exploration of this reality as I have attempted to express it through a new-found, rudimentary media: electrical tape. Using tape to create a piece of art has great significance to me because it represents the commonality that everyday things have in relation to art.
My eye is drawn naturally to everyday objects. Objects represent an intrinsic connection to the life I live and compose its significance to a great extent. My approach is not materialistic but metaphorical. I have always noticed my surroundings and have been curious about their makeup and significance, and that curiosity lends itself well in my current work. I have found that everyday objects become significant in some manner to everyone, and our interaction with them builds a subconscious connection to the object, which in turn enhances or detracts from our view of life around us. For instance, take away my favorite coffee cup, and I find for some strange reason that coffee suddenly becomes more than a bland drink and is in fact an experience. Coffee is now a vital part of my daily routine and is enhanced by my favorite cup that contains it.
I also find much spiritual significance in everyday objects. They represent a sort of common grace as they add to the connection I have to the life I live. A chair is no longer a chair when viewed under a lens of faith. Every time I sit in a chair, I am subconsciously exercising faith in that chair’s ability to support me, and I never think about it because almost every chair I have ever sat in has supported me. We are all creatures of faith, even if our faith is in our lack of faith; it is inescapable; therefore, things in our lives—be they physical or metaphysical—are always shaping our beliefs and experiences, and most of them I am willing to bet are subconscious.
Everyday objects point to truth. They are the wide brim of a funnel that ultimately leads to a decision between ultimate truth or relative morality. Documenting the significance of everyday objects in my life is a reminder to me that truth exists and that truth can be found in something as simple as a paper clip.
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Interview with Shellton LaBron Tremble
What was your first experience with art?
I believe it was a painting my mother painted of some horses on canvas. I thought to myself, how wonderful to create something new. She showed me some pencil drawings my older brother drew...I then asked why can't I draw, she said how do you know until you try. I was 8 years old when I think my interest blossomed.
What is your favorite medium & why?
My favorite medium is acrylic, but not exclusively. I like the fast drying nature and texture qualities I can achieve. Acrylic is vivid and versatile.
What style are you most drawn to? Does it ever change & if so, why?
I love conceptual and surrealistic motifs. But, I like all forms of visual expression. I tend to change by different inspirations. I also feel that a true artist is much like Leonardo Da Vinci or Michelangelo...able to display a unique touch, but also display mastery of many mediums.
Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?
No, not exactly. I have always explored art and have a deep love for the creative process, but I began to take it seriously when I realized that I had an in depth passion for art. It would be a tremendous accomplish to make a living while living your utmost desire!
Have you ever taken classes/courses?
I took a few art courses in college...a few short of a minor, but still consider myself self-taught, since I believe creativity is something no can teach. We can only convey techniques and processes, ingenuity and innovation comes from within.
What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?
My theme is power, passion, and perpetuity. I want my art to inspire, provoke, and awaken the following energy of the cosmos in our hearts. I want my art to portray a since of wonder, edginess, and imagery.
Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?
I believe it is a detriment to the innovative nature of our children. Art is a form of expression and helps promote the process of ingenuity of young minds. Art is everywhere and is inclusive in all aspects of life...design, architecture, fashion, and decor. To exclude art from academia is to short-circuit the wholeness of educational development.
Where is your favorite place to create?
Anywhere and anytime...you never know when a spark of inventiveness will strike!
Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?
Of course 'inspiration'! More than often than not we don't always have the mediums or time to create exactly at that moment, therefore I write down ideas or do thumbnail sketches.
How has your work changed over time?
My work has gotten more fluid and experimental. My work is more detailed and textured. My concepts and techniques continue to sharpen, to which I believe happens when we absorb art and surround ourselves by other creative artisans.
If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?
Can't you feel the energy...does the work take you to the inner universe of the psyche...does the work make you want to live!
Do you have a favorite piece you've done?
I can not choose...it would be like trying to determine which twin child is better! But, as far as motifs, I would say music items, since they blend two forms of artistic expression.
Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?
Interesting. Perfection is something we should always try to attain, but I believe I can in the 90 percentile.
I believe it was a painting my mother painted of some horses on canvas. I thought to myself, how wonderful to create something new. She showed me some pencil drawings my older brother drew...I then asked why can't I draw, she said how do you know until you try. I was 8 years old when I think my interest blossomed.
What is your favorite medium & why?
My favorite medium is acrylic, but not exclusively. I like the fast drying nature and texture qualities I can achieve. Acrylic is vivid and versatile.
What style are you most drawn to? Does it ever change & if so, why?
I love conceptual and surrealistic motifs. But, I like all forms of visual expression. I tend to change by different inspirations. I also feel that a true artist is much like Leonardo Da Vinci or Michelangelo...able to display a unique touch, but also display mastery of many mediums.
Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?
No, not exactly. I have always explored art and have a deep love for the creative process, but I began to take it seriously when I realized that I had an in depth passion for art. It would be a tremendous accomplish to make a living while living your utmost desire!
Have you ever taken classes/courses?
I took a few art courses in college...a few short of a minor, but still consider myself self-taught, since I believe creativity is something no can teach. We can only convey techniques and processes, ingenuity and innovation comes from within.
What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?
My theme is power, passion, and perpetuity. I want my art to inspire, provoke, and awaken the following energy of the cosmos in our hearts. I want my art to portray a since of wonder, edginess, and imagery.
Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?
I believe it is a detriment to the innovative nature of our children. Art is a form of expression and helps promote the process of ingenuity of young minds. Art is everywhere and is inclusive in all aspects of life...design, architecture, fashion, and decor. To exclude art from academia is to short-circuit the wholeness of educational development.
Where is your favorite place to create?
Anywhere and anytime...you never know when a spark of inventiveness will strike!
Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?
Of course 'inspiration'! More than often than not we don't always have the mediums or time to create exactly at that moment, therefore I write down ideas or do thumbnail sketches.
How has your work changed over time?
My work has gotten more fluid and experimental. My work is more detailed and textured. My concepts and techniques continue to sharpen, to which I believe happens when we absorb art and surround ourselves by other creative artisans.
If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?
Can't you feel the energy...does the work take you to the inner universe of the psyche...does the work make you want to live!
Do you have a favorite piece you've done?
I can not choose...it would be like trying to determine which twin child is better! But, as far as motifs, I would say music items, since they blend two forms of artistic expression.
Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?
Interesting. Perfection is something we should always try to attain, but I believe I can in the 90 percentile.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Interview with photographer David Foster
What was your first experience with art?
In my early years in school, I discovered no natural ability to draw or paint, which seemed to eliminate 'artist' from my menu of paths to pursue. Though I have been involved in photography in varying degrees for the past 40 years, it has only been in the past few years that I have come to see myself as an artist.
What is your favorite medium & why?
I am a photographer, now using digital exclusively. While I enjoyed the experience of 'wet' photography and working in the darkroom, I enjoy both the practical and artistic opportunities that the digital process affords.
Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?
Most of my career was spent working in the non-profit and higher education sectors. Since 2006, I have been shifting more of my time and energy into my artistic endeavors, which are now my primary focus.
Have you ever taken classes/courses?
I have had no formal art or photography training. I have taken several workshops and seminars, and read a fair amount, absorbing insights and technical skills from other photographers along the way. I have learned mostly from experimentation and exploration.
Do you have a muse or a favorite subject to portray?
My personal and artistic passions are primarily fueled by direct experience of beautiful and magical things to be found in nature. Sometimes this they're found in my front yard, sometimes half way around the world, but I am looking for something to amaze me. Sometimes it's a small as a dewdrop in the early morning light, sometimes as grand as a mountain range or a towering waterfall. Wherever I am, I try to keep myself open to being drawn to a new discovery. Whenever it happens, I experience it as a gift.
What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?
I hope that in connecting with the images, people will experience feelings of wonder, curiosity, joy, and leavening - along with an impulse go out and explore more for themselves.
Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?
Not all school art programs are created equal. I fear that some today are not much better than the ones I experienced, which may do as much harm as good in encouraging artistic creativity in children. However, I have seen many wonderful art programs in schools as well; ones that both inspire creativity and nurture skills. When these programs are cut, the learning and well being of our children are hurt and our communities are diminished.
Where is your favorite place to create?
I find myself most often drawn to places in nature with water of one sort or another: fields covered in dew, mountains with streams and waterfalls, ocean shorelines….. I consistently experience something magical in these places that finds expression in my images.
If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?
Two things: first, pause for a moment and allow yourself to be drawn into the image, both as a whole and in all its detail; second, though some images may seem to be manipulated, I use only the minimum amount of Photoshop needed to have the print reflect the image I experienced in the viewfinder with no artificial ingredients added.
Do you have a favorite piece you've done?
At the risk of a cliché, it's like asking which is my favorite child.
Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?
Not even close.
In my early years in school, I discovered no natural ability to draw or paint, which seemed to eliminate 'artist' from my menu of paths to pursue. Though I have been involved in photography in varying degrees for the past 40 years, it has only been in the past few years that I have come to see myself as an artist.
What is your favorite medium & why?
I am a photographer, now using digital exclusively. While I enjoyed the experience of 'wet' photography and working in the darkroom, I enjoy both the practical and artistic opportunities that the digital process affords.
Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?
Most of my career was spent working in the non-profit and higher education sectors. Since 2006, I have been shifting more of my time and energy into my artistic endeavors, which are now my primary focus.
Have you ever taken classes/courses?
I have had no formal art or photography training. I have taken several workshops and seminars, and read a fair amount, absorbing insights and technical skills from other photographers along the way. I have learned mostly from experimentation and exploration.
Do you have a muse or a favorite subject to portray?
My personal and artistic passions are primarily fueled by direct experience of beautiful and magical things to be found in nature. Sometimes this they're found in my front yard, sometimes half way around the world, but I am looking for something to amaze me. Sometimes it's a small as a dewdrop in the early morning light, sometimes as grand as a mountain range or a towering waterfall. Wherever I am, I try to keep myself open to being drawn to a new discovery. Whenever it happens, I experience it as a gift.
What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?
I hope that in connecting with the images, people will experience feelings of wonder, curiosity, joy, and leavening - along with an impulse go out and explore more for themselves.
Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?
Not all school art programs are created equal. I fear that some today are not much better than the ones I experienced, which may do as much harm as good in encouraging artistic creativity in children. However, I have seen many wonderful art programs in schools as well; ones that both inspire creativity and nurture skills. When these programs are cut, the learning and well being of our children are hurt and our communities are diminished.
Where is your favorite place to create?
I find myself most often drawn to places in nature with water of one sort or another: fields covered in dew, mountains with streams and waterfalls, ocean shorelines….. I consistently experience something magical in these places that finds expression in my images.
If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?
Two things: first, pause for a moment and allow yourself to be drawn into the image, both as a whole and in all its detail; second, though some images may seem to be manipulated, I use only the minimum amount of Photoshop needed to have the print reflect the image I experienced in the viewfinder with no artificial ingredients added.
Do you have a favorite piece you've done?
At the risk of a cliché, it's like asking which is my favorite child.
Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?
Not even close.
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