Introducing the art of Jason Behrends (Interview)

JASON BEHRENDS

DESTIG TORONTO - ART | DESIGN | TRAVEL - ISSUE 09 / JANUARY 2021

BEST OF 2020 | TODAY'S GREAT CANADIAN ARTISTS | SPECIAL ART FEATURES | HOT PICKS

"HOW MARVELOUS THAT THEY BROUGHT FORTH SUCH MAGNIFICIENCE FROM THEIR BRUSHES AND CHISELS." - ANONYMOUS

"I find my eyes being drawn to a blade of grass blowing in the wind or watching a duck fly off to the horizon. I imagine the wind swirling through the fields and water flowing down a stream. This planet is amazing and sometimes we fail to see all the beauty it possesses. In that moment, I stop, I watch, and I capture that moment to share with everyone."

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Jason Behrends lives in Fredericksburg, Texas. He has

curiosity to roam wild – especially with different paints

a doctorate in science. His abstract art reflects his

that could create texture and offer a multi-dimensional

interest in nature, science, and his surroundings. He

experience for the audience. I’ve worked with oils, but

utilizes his interests as inspiration to explore color,

when I discovered latex acrylic paint, it completely

light, and texture with acrylic latex paint on canvas.

changed my esthetic and allowed me to play and see different forms emerge as I created.

Give a summary of your background and history.

Growing up in a rural area outside a small town in

Share with us some insights into your process.

Texas, experiencing the mysteries and beauty of nature

Most of my work starts with a sketch of a concept; one

was a welcomed gift. Inspired at a young age by my

that is always rooted in nature. It may be a shape that I

father Monroe, encouraged me to explore art in all its

am intrigued by or some sort of movement that sparks

forms. I was around 5 or 6 and with my father’s

an idea. I flew a lot before the pandemic and my time

guidance, I began my craft by creating landscapes;

spent in the clouds allowed time to calm my thoughts

where he taught me how to blend colors and the

and sketch. From there, I translate those sketches onto a

intricate techniques of oil paint. Discovering those skills

blank canvas. While I have many sketches that I have yet

early on piqued my interest and allowed my natural

to paint, I look for the right tools to translate them to

"Art triggers inspiration and I want to pass that along to my viewers.

I want to create something that makes nostalgic memories come to light and perhaps a feeling of movement."

canvas. I am beginning to research and

How do you want to impact viewers?

develop techniques that may one day

Art triggers inspiration and I want to pass

allow me to create those works.

that along to my viewers. I want to create something that makes nostalgic memories

How would you describe the unique

come to light and perhaps a feeling of

DNA of your art?

movement. As humans, we’re always on

Nature. My work for the most part- at

the hunt looking for the next spark or ‘ah

least at the moment, does not scream

ha’ moment. The art I create is multi-

nature, but the colors I tend to migrate

dimensional and is more than what

towards are bright, typically in one family

appears on canvas. These creations are of

and may not be necessarily associated

natural harmony and show how it all can

with nature. Close your eyes and imagine

work together to be stunningly beautiful

a leaf. It’s not just a single shade of green,

– if only we can take a break from staying

but depth and perception introduce other

within confined lines and be open to

complimentary

what’s going to happen next.

colors

that

blend

together. There is a natural blending in nature that happens when you look

Share with us some client reactions?

closely, and I try to capture that in all of

I do love working directly with clients

my work.

because you get to be inspired all over

"The art I create is multi-dimensional and is more than what appears on canvas."

"I want to push the boundaries of how much is too much."

again. Some times you get to hear what they are

Share with us some of the themes and concepts that

thinking and feeling about a piece that was made

you have explored.

specifically with them in mind. One client had seen my

Discovering abstract did not happen overnight, but with

work and reached out to commission a piece. The client

my roots in landscapes, the foundation just continued

was looking for a statement that would naturally draw

blossoming. I think I fought it at first and I can see it in

people in- a conversation piece, if you will. As long as the

my work. I wanted to maintain the control of one part of

person viewing my work feels some sort of emotion, I

my brain and in another part, I wanted to be free.

consider it a success. Like life, art is unpredictable.

I became intrigued by flora, which allowed me to move

Often, art has the ability to be seen differently by the

away from realism a bit and opened my mind to the

same person because of the lighting, the angle or the

abstract. From there it evolved to where I am today.

way the person is feeling at that particular moment.

I still will get inspired by a flower and just have to paint

it, but I am loving where my art has evolved to and am still continuing that journey in paint and discovery to define new concepts.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a series of color and movement, which all stems from an inspiration I have found in nature.

My current work has allowed me to really play with texture on canvas. I want people to view my work from all angles to see the depth. If I could hang my work horizontally, I might just do that. I want to push the boundaries of how much is too much. One more layer, maybe just one more.

What directions are you interested to explore in

being drawn to a blade of grass blowing in the wind or

future projects?

watching a duck fly off to the horizon. I imagine the

Seasons through motion and texture while exploring

wind swirling through the fields and water flowing

my immediate surroundings more. I am fortunate to

down a stream. This planet is amazing and sometimes

live on a beautiful property with vast open spaces and

we fail to see all the beauty it possesses. In that

wildlife everywhere. The space I work in is completely

moment, I stop, I watch, and I capture that moment to

bonded to nature’s natural wonders. I find my eyes

share with everyone.

What attracts you to your preferred medium?

I love the way latex acrylic paints flow and give the ability to create layers and layers for texture. The way it disperses on the canvas can be random- yet the ability for it to be controlled intrigues me. It’s that natural struggle between freedom, control and finding the natural balance that appeals to me.

I look for different means to transfer the paint onto canvas… anything besides a brush really, though it does come in handy from time to time.

What do you feel when you are creating?

My art is my feelings, so it depends on my emotions at the time of me creating. I will say I try to only paint when I am in a positive and inspired mood.

Sometimes I turn on the music and just paint. The emotions fill the canvas, which can be calmness and serenity, happiness and excitement, or sometimes tension and fear.

What are your views on the role of art today?

Art has very few boundaries if any. One person can see art in something, while another does not.

However, art should speak to you and make you feel something. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it matters only what you think. If you like it and you are inspired by it, that is what matters.

Art can be a statement, but it also can just be beautiful to look at. I try to make art that is beautiful in someone’s eyes. Something someone can appreciate and enjoy.

How does your location influence your art?

I live in a small town and am fortunate to have nature all around me. The nature inspires me and has really focused my current work. My home is light and bright, allowing me to discover nature’s happenings and become inspired. Our small town has many artists and galleries that I enjoy visiting.

"I try to make art that is beautiful in someone’s eyes.

Something someone can appreciate and enjoy."

"I look for positivity and I hope that shows in the art I am creating."

How has your art practice evolved over your career?

I am exploring the next chapter other than being a private artist creating custom pieces for my clients. The process is different for me because I get to know the client and ask many questions before I start. I also work with them as I create. In this next chapter I am opening myself up to the public more, which is a bit more challenging. At the same time, it is giving me more freedom to create and explore where I want to head next. I am really excited about this next chapter and how my work will evolve.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your creative expression?

It has forced me to look at what I am passionate about.

It has given me time to think and discover what is possible. It has forced me to put myself out there, which is ironic because we have had to close ourselves off from the world at the same time. I look for positivity more and I really hope that shows in the art I am creating in this moment. Art has become more and more of an outlet for me during this pandemic.

Website: www.behrendsgallery.artspan.com