Interview
Jason Brian Fox
The imaginative shapes and vivid colors that define Jason Brian Fox’s paintings are the result of a lifetime spent taking refuge in art. His work has been exhibited up and down the East Coast and attracted attention from collectors and aficionados around the world. If there is a unifying theme in his work, that theme is healing; using art to take shelter from the traumas of the modern world. Jason was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey in December 1973.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I spent most of my youth in Edison, NJ, where I showed a keen interest in the arts as a high school student. After graduating, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm and was decorated for my service. However, I would face many of the challenges that many veterans have when returning home from war. Art would prove to be a pivotal part of my return to normalcy. Seeking an outlet for my emotions, I enrolled at the Art Students League in New York City. I dabbled in several mediums before deciding to focus on watercolor painting and before long, I began to develop the abstract style that I am known for today. In addition to my painting, I am a prolific musician. I have toured the country many times and released several albums. It is easy to see the connection between my art and music. Many of my paintings are named after the songs I listened to during their composition. And just like a great song, my paintings bring disparate elements together to create something unique, harmonious, and moving. Because of the unusual life I have led, I am a man with many stories to tell. My paintings express the subconscious part of those stories, the part that cannot be explained in words. Evocative and thought-provoking, these images represent an individual coming to terms with my own existence.”
What inspires you?
“The opportunity to create something that never has been seen before and a chronological entry of my emotional expression at the time of the composition.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I try to convey the healing transformative power of art in each piece. Everytime I paint my goal is to create from an internal subject matter to bring my subconscious to the surface. It is the best way for me to gain a broader perspective as to what it is I am experiencing.”
How would you describe your work?
“Three dimensional abstract compositions where the variation of tone and intensity create space for the view to get lost in and work out their own meaning.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Music influences my art the most. I am always listening to it when I paint. I started out as a musician and there are many parallels between composing music and painting. The best way I can describe it, is like working in a monochromatic palette is the equivalent of choosing a key to compose music in. They are both based in theory.”
“I try to convey the healing transformative power of art in each piece.”
What is your creative process like?
“Usually, I use watercolor techniques with watercolor or acrylic paints on paper or canvas. I first try to determine if I want to create a cool palette or a warm one or a mixture of the two. Then, I use water to create the shapes and plains to create the composition. I work in layers until I get the desired effect.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role is not only to bring beauty in to the world but act as the documenters of the cultural history of a given moment in time. I think the way I see art evolving is that an artist digital footprint will be just as important as the work he or she creates. Because of innovations like Instagram and YouTube we can have a front row seat in to an artist as they create there work. Can you imagine if we had a YouTube video of Leonardo Di Vinci painting the Mona Lisa first hand?”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have to mention the Soho Art Show in 2019 hosted by Dacia Gallery in New York City. I also showcased my works at the Art Fair 14 C in Jersey City, New Jersey in 2022 and 2023.”
Website: www.jasonbrianfoxart.com
Instagram: @jasonbrianfox
Other links: www.facebook.com/jasonbrianfoxart
