Artist Statement

I usually begin a new painting with random brush strokes of color, then work unpredictably and intuitively, responding to the rhythm of the music and the direction the painting suggests to me. My most recent work is about the thrill of exploring and experimenting with a variety of methods of applying acrylic color on raw canvas, taking big risks and looking for new combinations that I’ve never done before. What excites my interest is… “to see what would happen if…”

At other times it appears that the painting already knows what it wants and the duty of the artist is to listen, surrender, watch and most of all trust. One of my teachers once said to me “your brushes are very smart, why don’t you let them do the work?” This is the secret of “letting go.”

For me painting is like an intense compulsion motivated by the love of the process itself, allowing me to become more comfortable with uncertainty and unpredictability which opens up a whole world of new possibilities.

Painting fast and spontaneously has been extremely beneficial:

It helps me to accomplish more with the least effort, and yet allows me to evolve and grow with renewed trust and confidence.

It encourages my mind to be quiet and temporarily stops its judgmental tendencies, relinquishing my attachment to any imagined result.

It helps me lose all concern for the approval of others and their criticism.

This process clears the way so as to become a clear vessel; that which welcomes the creative energy of the universe to come through with enthralling rhythms and patterns that connects us all.

- Jonas Gerard