"Epitaph of Feelings" by JFeelgood is a powerful mixed media artwork, measuring 36x36x2 inches, created during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This piece vividly captures the complex, often conflicting emotions experienced by the artist over six months. The painting is a tapestry of diverse elements, each representing a fragment of the intense emotional landscape that defined this time.
At the forefront, a tank driver fires a cannon, symbolizing aggression or defense, set against a theater backdrop. This juxtaposition suggests a dramatic and perhaps theatrical representation of conflict. Adjacent to this, a carousel horse stands on a stage, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the cyclical nature of life’s experiences, reminiscent of the constant ups and downs during the pandemic. Dominating the upper section is a surreal, stylized woman with an umbrella merging with her head, almost like a hat, blending seamlessly with the distorted downtown buildings beside her. This imagery reflects a fusion of the internal (emotional) and external (urban) environments, highlighting the blurred lines between personal feelings and the broader societal impact during the pandemic. The woman's serene yet introspective gaze contrasts with the chaos surrounding her, suggesting resilience and contemplation amid turmoil. The explosion from the tank’s cannon appears dangerously close to the woman’s face, yet the lack of direct interaction between these elements emphasizes the disjointed and often unrelated instances that collectively form the artist’s emotional response to the pandemic. The use of vivid colors and bold, dynamic strokes throughout the painting underscores the intensity of these emotions. While there is no single, coherent narrative within the painting, "Epitaph of Feelings" serves as a visual diary of strong sentiments and experiences. Each element of the painting stands as a testament to the myriad feelings—fear, nostalgia, confusion, and introspection—that have shaped the artist’s journey through a uniquely challenging time in history. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon.
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"Veritas" by JFeelgood is a thought-provoking mixed media artwork measuring 24x30x1 inches. This painting features a delicate depiction of a princess figure on stage, rendered with a transparent quality that conveys the theme of losing one's true self to the expectations and performances imposed by others. The background is an abstract explosion of colors, created with bold strokes of pink, yellow, blue, and green, suggesting the chaotic and vibrant backdrop of life or the complexities of the persona she presents.
The stage is framed in a muted black with metallic accents, drawing attention to the central figure of the princess, who appears to be engrossed in her own world despite the colorful tumult behind her. Her serene, almost ghostly presence contrasts with the vivid energy of the backdrop, symbolizing the inner conflict between authentic identity and the roles we perform for society. The transparency of the princess figure is a powerful visual metaphor for the erosion of self that can occur when one's true nature is obscured by the need to conform or please others. This piece invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of balancing personal authenticity with societal expectations. "Veritas" captures the essence of vulnerability and introspection, encouraging a deeper understanding of identity and the courage to remain true to oneself amidst external pressures. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. "Path of Privilege" by JFeelgood is a provocative and visually striking mixed media artwork measuring 12x12x4 inches. Crafted on a wooden base, the piece is adorned with luxurious gold leaf and sealed with epoxy resin, creating a glossy, reflective surface that contrasts sharply with the darker themes it explores. The composition features two paintbrushes affixed to the canvas, seemingly in motion, one with black paint on its bristles and the other with white, both dragging a vivid red trail across the golden backdrop.
The imagery is rich with symbolism. The gold leaf represents the opulence and prosperity enjoyed by those in positions of privilege. The contrasting black and white paint on the brushes alludes to racial dynamics, with the red trail signifying the bloodshed and pain borne from institutionalized racism. This stark depiction serves as a visual reminder of the socio-economic advantages historically conferred upon white populations in the United States at the expense of people of color. JFeelgood’s choice to use paintbrushes as part of the medium highlights the ongoing and active nature of this societal issue. The brushes, moving through gold and red, suggest that the effects of privilege and discrimination are continually being painted onto the canvas of society, shaping the narrative and realities of different communities. The vivid red path underscores the immense cost of this inequality—a path laid in blood and suffering. "Path of Privilege" challenges viewers to reflect on the systemic injustices that have shaped and continue to influence the socio-economic landscape. It emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within societal structures. This powerful piece calls for recognition of the painful legacy of racism and a commitment to fostering a more just and equal future. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. "What is Felt?" by JFeelgood is a striking mixed media artwork measuring 20x20x1 inches. This piece features a tree, traditionally painted in vibrant greens and browns, standing on a hill set against a sky of rich purple, maroon, and gold tones. The classical elements of the tree and landscape are interwoven with an explosion of modern abstraction, characterized by dynamic drips of paint in bold colors.
The inspiration for this piece came from JFeelgood’s experience at the interpretative dance performance "Consolation of Chaos" by Corps Multiple, choreographed by Sandie Donzica. The performance explored the complex relationship between the soul and body, depicting two strangers' evolving interaction through various circumstances. Deeply moved by the portrayal of this delicate balance, JFeelgood returned to his studio filled with creative energy. Drawing from this inspiration, JFeelgood chose to overlay the classical style of the tree with vibrant, dripping colors applied directly from the tubes. These cascading hues of blue, green, pink, and purple contrast sharply against the traditional backdrop, symbolizing the chaotic yet beautiful interplay between the known and the unknown. Just as the dance performance highlighted the intricate dance between soul and body, the layers of dripping paint represent the unseen forces and emotions that overlay and influence our visible world. This juxtaposition emphasizes that what is visible is only a fragment of the full narrative, much like the soul-body relationship depicted in the dance. The bold, flowing drips suggest that beneath the surface of our structured reality lies a dynamic, unseen world of vibrant possibilities and connections. "What is Felt?" challenges viewers to appreciate the complexity of existence and the unseen threads that weave through our lives, mirroring the profound themes of "Consolation of Chaos." This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. "Ageless Wonder" by JFeelgood is a mesmerizing mixed media artwork, measuring 20x20x8 inches. This intricate piece is uniquely framed with custom dimensions, where the top and bottom edges extend slightly longer than the parallel sides, giving the frame an intentionally askew appearance. The painting integrates various materials including acrylic, latex, epoxy resin, and gold leaf, and prominently features a tin birdcage set six inches away from the canvas.
The canvas itself has a rich history; it began as a surface for cleaning paintbrushes used in other artworks by JFeelgood over the span of a decade. This gives "Ageless Wonder" a deep, layered texture and a narrative of accumulated creativity. Over time, scraps from other paintings have been incorporated into this canvas, creating an effect where elements appear to drip and cascade over the frame, symbolizing the flow of time and the artist's evolving journey. The use of gold leaf is a signature element in JFeelgood's work, adding a touch of opulence and timelessness. The shimmering gold contrasts beautifully with the earthy tones and complex textures of the background, highlighting the interplay between the precious and the ordinary. The glossy finish from the epoxy resin enhances the depth and vibrancy of the colors. At the center of this piece is a rustic, tin birdcage, suspended in front of the canvas. This birdcage serves as a poignant metaphor for the artist’s relationship with his art and audience, symbolizing the delicate balance between freedom and confinement, creativity and constraint. It invites viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between the creator and their creation, and the spaces we inhabit both physically and metaphorically. "Ageless Wonder" captures the essence of time, transformation, and the enduring beauty of artistic expression. Each brushstroke and material tells a story of resilience and perpetual evolution, making this piece a profound statement on the timeless nature of art and its continuous dialogue with the world. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. "Transcend" by JFeelgood is an evocative acrylic painting measuring 20x24x1 inches. The artwork portrays a solitary figure sitting on a dock, gazing at a radiant, swirling orb that dominates the sky. This orb could represent the sun or a personal symbol of profound reflection, such as an inner light or a manifestation of pain. The painting’s deep blue background sets a tranquil scene, evoking a sense of calm and infinity, while the dock and waves below anchor the viewer to the physical world.
The swirling orb, rendered in rich golden and white hues, captures the viewer’s attention as the focal point of the composition. It exudes a powerful energy that contrasts with the calm posture of the seated figure. This juxtaposition suggests a moment of deep introspection, where the observer is contemplating the complexities and dualities of life. The orb’s brilliance symbolizes a beacon of hope, enlightenment, or the intense emotions that one must confront and transcend. The figure on the dock, painted in subdued, reflective tones, invites viewers to imagine themselves in this meditative state, pondering their own existence and purpose. The gentle ripples of the water and the stillness of the figure underscore the theme of finding peace and clarity amidst the vastness and turmoil of life. "Transcend" encourages viewers to look inward, to confront and embrace their inner light and darkness, and to emerge stronger and more enlightened. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for personal growth and the journey towards becoming a brighter, more fulfilled version of oneself. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. "Light and Sound" by JFeelgood is a vibrant 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas that captures the dynamic interplay of color and movement. The composition is an abstract symphony of bold, sweeping strokes that traverse the canvas diagonally, creating a sense of energy and flow.
The painting features a rich palette of bright pinks, oranges, purples, and blues, interspersed with striking black accents. These colors blend and clash in a harmonious yet chaotic dance, evoking the sensations of light and sound merging in a dynamic experience. The use of bold, contrasting hues and the fluidity of the brushstrokes suggest a powerful emotional expression, reminiscent of the rhythms and vibrations found in both natural and urban environments. The diagonal orientation of the strokes adds to the painting's sense of movement and intensity, drawing the viewer's eye across the canvas and inviting them to feel the pulse of the depicted scene. This abstract piece challenges the observer to interpret the interplay of colors and forms, making it a captivating addition to any modern art collection. This painting is also featured in JFeelgood's book, "Thought Entropy," available for purchase on Amazon. "Ronin" by JFeelgood is a captivating acrylic on canvas artwork measuring 24x36x1 inches. This painting embodies the themes of solitude and resilience through its abstract depiction of a solitary figure. The figure, rendered in vibrant strokes of yellow, red, and white, stands against a textured blue background, creating a striking visual contrast. The central character's face is minimalist yet expressive, with lines that suggest a contemplative or stoic demeanor. The use of bold, unrefined brushstrokes adds a raw, emotive quality to the piece, emphasizing the figure's solitary existence and inner strength. The surrounding environment, characterized by dynamic blue hues and textured patterns, evokes a sense of an ever-changing world in which the lone figure must navigate. The term "Ronin" traditionally refers to a wandering samurai without a master, highlighting themes of independence and perseverance. JFeelgood’s use of color and texture captures this essence, symbolizing the internal and external conflicts faced by the ronin. The juxtaposition of warm and cool tones represents the challenges and resilience of the figure, inviting viewers to interpret the journey of a masterless warrior in a constantly shifting world. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. Emotional Resonance: Discover the Depth of 'Adonis' by JFeelgood - A Contemporary Masterpiece8/30/2024 "Adonis" by JFeelgood is a striking 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas that immediately captures the viewer's attention. The painting features a prominently stylized face, rendered in soft, muted tones, set against a vibrant yellow background. The blue eyes of the subject, deeply expressive and poignant, draw the observer into a contemplative state. A single tear, painted with a rich blue hue, falls delicately from the face, adding a layer of emotional depth and vulnerability to the piece. The use of contrasting colors and the minimalist approach to detailing the face suggests a blend of modern and abstract influences. The yellow background not only highlights the central figure but also evokes a sense of warmth and introspection. The painting's composition, with its focus on the facial expression and the tear, invites viewers to ponder the emotions and stories behind the eyes of Adonis. This painting is also featured in JFeelgood's book, "Thought Entropy," available for purchase on Amazon. "Monarch" by JFeelgood is a striking acrylic on canvas artwork measuring 24x36x2 inches. This painting vividly captures the theme of transformation and beauty through its portrayal of a woman holding a butterfly. The use of bold, expressive strokes in a palette dominated by blues, greens, and vibrant yellows creates a dynamic and captivating visual experience. The central figure, with her flowing dark hair and red lips, exudes a sense of serene contemplation as she gently holds a monarch butterfly. This butterfly, a universal symbol of change and renewal, adds a layer of depth to the piece, suggesting themes of personal growth and metamorphosis. The abstract background, filled with lush vegetation and intricate patterns, contrasts with the more detailed rendering of the woman and butterfly, highlighting their significance in the composition. JFeelgood’s use of texture and color intensity brings a tactile quality to the painting, inviting viewers to explore its layers and the emotions they evoke. The juxtaposition of the delicate butterfly with the woman's composed yet curious demeanor suggests a moment of connection and reflection, emphasizing the transformative power of nature and self-discovery. This painting is also featured in his book, 'Thought Entropy', available for purchase on Amazon. |
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