From Cocktail to Crucifix

Manhattan    J. Plesh

acrylic on masonite      24” x 48”

private collection

Allison & James Nestor

Crucifix I    J. Plesh

acrylic on masonite    24” x 48”

private collection

Marion Suderland

Crucifixes and cocktails. An odd combination, indeed. The tie-in in this case is that they are the subjects of two of my paintings. Much of my work represents my interests and lifestyle in a somewhat abstract way. The representational painter will work from a photograph or on location, replicating the image in their unique style and technique. But with my expressionistic pieces I paint what I imagine or feel, what I see in my mind’s eye. The resulting paintings are more symbolic than representational. For instance, my intent was not so much to make a Manhattan cocktail look like a Manhattan cocktail than it was to give my somewhat imagined expression of one; therefore I have rendered it in the semi-abstract. Likewise, the painting of the crucifix is more symbolic than accurate. The paintings allow the viewer to see and determine what they read into the painting. To me they’re clearly paintings of a Manhattan and a Crucifix. Yet to other viewers their eyes and mind are allowed, actually encouraged, to determine their own personal connection with the art.  As it should be.

Cheers and God Bless!

The Sound of Creativity

Shared creativity is the start of many friendships. At a gallery showing in Bonita Springs, Florida, this truth was played out when I met Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel. Bruce was enamored with my paintings, especially the piece Moments Remembered. I noticed him gazing at the painting and returning later to gaze even longer. We struck up a conversation and talked until closing of the gallery. Bruce, Julie and I became rapid friends.

Bruce and Julie’s creativity takes the form of sound. I had the pleasure of attending one of their shows and was blown away with their music and flavorful presentation. Julie’s songwriting is masterful, Bruce’s guitar expertise is breathtaking, and both have infectious enthusiasm. I became an immediate fan, and since then I’ve listened to their CDs consistently for enjoyment and inspiration. 

MOMENTS REMEMBERED   36” X 48”   acrylic on canvas   J. Plesh

As if the music were not enough in the sphere of creative talent, I found that Bruce is a painter/designer. He creates their CD jacket designs as well as fine art paintings, many of which illustrate their beloved guitars as subject matter. I continue to be impressed by this couple’s talent.

MOMENTS REMEMBERED, an acrylic painting on canvas, depicts an expressionistic rendering of my remembrance and interpretation of countryside fields and streams found in regions of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The bold strokes created with brush and palette knife capture the spontaneous freedom of the subject and its interpretation. 

Moments Remembered is currently on display at Gallery 164  The Promenade in Bonita Springs, FL