Jon Morse
Jon Morse is a Boise, Idaho based artist concentrating on non-representational abstract paintings. With authenticity at the core of every painting, the viewer has a chance to experience a sense of calmness that comes directly from the meditative mindset that is intentionally set throughout the creative process.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I have been a professional artist for over twenty years. During that time, my artistic expression has grown in direct correlation with personal self-awareness. Creativity is constantly flowing but there are times when I am unable to receive this creativity because I simply get in my own way. Through different modalities I try to quiet my mind and simply watch things unfold from within. This is where my art arises. As an artist it is my job to bring back something honest and vulnerable to the surface for the viewer to experience. People often ask where I get my inspiration from, and my answer is usually some version of this: I was raised by art collectors with a very eclectic collection of art. Southwestern pottery and paintings, Alaska Native art, modern wooden and stone sculpture, antique Persian rugs, gothic and midcentury modern architecture, Japanese textiles, the list goes on. Mix all of this with my own exploration of everything from pop art, illustration, tattoo art, all things vintage including psychedelic rock posters and here we are. When I look inside for my art to express itself, it has no choice but to be a culmination of everything that I have ever experienced. I make it a point to stay blissfully unaware of current trends.
I do not search for inspiration outside of myself. I feel that by doing this, what comes up and out of me is authentic and not influenced by what I may think will get a piece to sell. I am in a very unique position that I can produce artwork in this manner, and believe that the authenticity shows through in the art that I produce. Using fundamental composition and an intentional color pallet, I test the viewer’s expectations of what a static form is capable of. By incorporating a strong sense of movement, I strive to achieve a unique sculptural quality within each piece. When someone views a piece in person, I hope that my execution and their expectations meet somewhere in the middle…this is where the magic of art can be found.