By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how did you end up in New Bern?
I am from Rochester, NY. I moved down here to New Bern in October 2020. I checked out of the marines at Camp Lejuene in 2015 so I had an idea of the area beforehand. Once the housing market in NY blew up I moved here to purchase a home!
Do you have formal training, or are you mostly self-taught?
I am completely self taught in my cubism and abstract paintings. Recently I have had a few mentors that helped me along the way with tips and tricks.
A lot of your works are what most would consider large scale, what is it about large format that appeals to you?
I love to paint large scale because my entire attention is pulled to that one moment of creation. When I am fully engaged “flow state” takes over. It is also a great workout!
What’s you process in creating your large scale abstracts?
My process consists of cutting raw canvas roll and intuitively picking my colors. For applying the paint my favorite tool is a 6 inch putty knife. I enjoy the versatility of a single tool because it forces me to think outside the box and stay creative. Taking a large breath in, and exhaling as I pull the scraper.
You’ve also done NFTs, a growing trend in the art world. What relationship do you see between your physical works and the NFTs you’ve created?
NFT’s are a great extension to any artists portfolio! My style within the digital art is mostly Cubism and called a term I coined “Visionary Cubism”. The colors from my abstract physical art and the illustrative tightness of cubism line work have come together to create something completely new and unique for my expression within NFT’s.
Is there another artist whose work you admire or who inspires you?
My favorite living artist is cubism/expressionist Zio Zeigler. His larger than life cubism entity sculptures are my favorite!
What artwork, exhibition, or award are you particularly proud of and why?
I am most proud of an exhibit currently available for viewing and sales at Costa and Cortes Flooring Showroom in James City. Over 25 of my canvases from small to large hang there; to include two 15ft long canvas paintings!
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art to me is the direct materialization and expression of the current emotion.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the arts?
My advice would be to not limit your style or process. Always be willing to try new things! Flow like water.
I know you’ve just completed a mural at Broad Street Christian Church, where else can people find your work?
The mural I recently completed at Broad Street Christian Church was for Reviving Lives Ministries. My goal there was to install a colorful high energy mural while also cleaning up the surrounding area to make it more appealing and inviting for everyone!
You can find my work at JesseDoyle.com and also on Instagram.com/jessedoyleart