Interview
John Schonert
John is a passionate contemporary artist who describes his work as abstract expressionism. Drawing his inspiration from the energy of his own personal experiences, the world around him, nature or a particular narrative, these visceral feelings act as a catalyst for creativity and guide him in deciding the direction and technique that will best represent his vision. Whether painting, collage or multimedia work he loves using colour and enjoys playing with perspective, which gives the viewer an additional dimension, whether that be visual or tactile. John is British, but relocated to Southern Spain in 2022 to pursue his artistic ambitions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Adopted at six months, my adopted parents provided an environment that encouraged my creative abilities and nurtured any talent. Following their passing within a year of each other, at 15, I found myself in foster care and unable to pursue the art career I had hoped for. After leaving school, life took over and although I attended courses to expand my understanding of the art world, techniques and trends, my career took me in a different direction. In 2010, I lost my partner of 20 years to cancer and this changed my life beyond anything I could have imagined. Seeing the fragility of life as an adult provided me with the catalyst to begin my art journey for real. Later, I studied at a Putney School of Art and rediscovered my love of creating. Using different techniques and producing contemporary work with various media. Moving countries from Britain to Southern Spain in 2022, I decided to become a full time artist, which has been a revelation.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from many sources. It can be my own personal experiences, the world around me, a particular trending narrative and the beauty of nature. I have a passion for playing with colour and perspective, and this features heavily in my work.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My themes are around things that affect me emotionally and these visceral feelings act as a catalyst for creativity, guiding me in deciding the direction and technique that best represent my vision. However, there is always an underlying message in my work and I leave that to be interpreted by the viewer.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as abstract expressionism. I use colour and perspective in addition to different media and techniques, to convey a message and narrative. Whether painting, collage or multimedia work I always want to provide the viewer an additional dimension, whether that be visual or tactile. As an example, my most recent series of works looks closely at love and loss through my own eyes and experiences. Using paint, charcoal and epoxy resin on cotton canvas, I've been able to create an almost sculptural and 3D effect, drawing the viewer into the works.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic influence comes, primarily, from 20th century artists, such as Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still, Willem de Kooning, Yayoi Kusama, Lee Krasner, Damien Hirst and Cornelia Parker.”
“My themes are around things that affect me emotionally in a visceral way.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process can take some time from initial idea to execution. When I finally decide on the technique, format and style, then it's very spontaneous and comes from an emotional reaction. No sketches, no mockups. I just see where the process will take me; sometimes in unexpected directions.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe that artists play an essential role in societies around the world and at times, offer new perspectives on situations and events. They can reach and influence people in many different ways, and as we move into ever uncertain societal terrain, they are essential to provide cohesion, inspiration and challenge.”
