Dear Pennies and Pens,
As you all know, a couple of weeks ago, I was in Dallas for Artopia. If you missed it, check out the post here: Press Pen: Dallas Observer Artopia 2015. While at Artopia, I met the talented Mr. Adam Jones who was painting live at Artopia. I immediately fell in love with Adam’s work. Luckily, Adam graciously agreed to do an interview with me.
Adam Jones is an Art Director and studio artist who lives in Dallas, Texas. Working for CBS Radio, Adam is responsible for all of the designs that are associated with print, media, and billboard advertising campaigns throughout the Texas marketplace.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Adam moved to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temerlin School of Advertising with a minor in Studio Art. Adam paints, draws, and creates digital designs that are showcased in galleries and available for sale.
In my interview with Adam, he talks about what inspires him to create art, how his family has supported his creative endeavors, as well as offering advice to young artists. It’s an awesome interview so without further adieu, check out Pen’s Eye: Adam Jones Art.
Where are you from?
I am from Alameda California. A small island in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How has your heritage influenced you as an artist?
My family is everything to me; they have played a major role in my development as a man and as an artist. My parents encouraged my brother and i to explore the arts. At a young age I had the natural ability to draw and to create, so we always pushed that creative side.
Growing up in the Bay Area is such a special one-of –a-kind experience. There is art, music, and dance everywhere… some of the world’s most creative minds live and produce in that area. It exposed me to everything, and I was able to fine-tune my style as well as to be inspired by those who have made a life in the arts.
What school did you go to?
From Bishop O’Dowd in Oakland California I came to Texas to pursue my college life at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Temerlin School of Advertising with a minor in Studio Art from Meadows Art School. I also completed additional courses at California College of the Arts.
What inspires you to create art?
My inspiration comes from the world around me. I have always been extremely visual and hands on since I was very young.
There is a drive inside me to produce new art. It’s a challenge which stimulates me every time I sit down with a brush, it is also combined with a sense of relaxation because I know that I have the skill set to create and bring to life my vision.
What made you decide to become an artist?
I must have been in my early 20’s. I am currently the Art Director for CBS RADIO in the Dallas market.
I am involved with the creative process every day of my life, and it is a true dream come true! I have been producing art for 30 years now so it was always in me.
Tell me more about your creative process as far as how you create your pieces? What tools, programs, or mediums do you use?
I am constantly looking at art, magazines, and websites for new ideas and inspiration. I also take pictures to get ideas.
I usually start my process by creating the rough design in Photoshop, then I measure out what I would like to produce to determine my canvas size. After that, I get to work! Most of my recent works are Acrylic paintings.
Which piece that you’ve created is your favorite? Why?
My James Dean portrait is currently one of my favorites. I have worked countless hours for years learning how to capture the human face. I think this portrait showcases those skills in line-work and shading. It captures a split moment that will never be relived.
Another one of my favorites is the piece from below. This black and white portrait style has evolved into my new direction that I have been focusing on this year. It incorporates a large bright block or design of color, giving a drastic contract to the overall piece as well as leaving interpretation to the viewer as to what my the depicted character is feeling, thinking or experiencing.
I have always wanted to leave a positive message through my pieces that one could possibly reflect back on their own life with. Because we all have those split second situations that change us forever.
This new style is what I am working on now, I have around 10 pieces that I am currently producing with this theme and feel. All really large acrylic paintings on canvas.
What advice would you give to young art artists who are starting to build their portfolios?
My advice to any young artist is to never give up on your dream or direction. Throughout art school you will be able to experience all types of mediums and you will be taught all types of styles, embrace all of them. Find the one that calls your name, (TRUST me it will) and dive head first into what moves you.
Do not be discouraged by negativity, you will always have critics from peers or teachers… That is ok, embrace the positive negativity and build upon their suggestions. Work harder than ever to correct them which will only make you that much more skilled, and the hurtful or negative criticism don’t even think twice about it… 99% of the time they are jealous of your talent.
In regards to your portfolio, make a statement! Post something every day! You are building a brand, know what makes your work stand out and showcase that from start to finish. Try to inspire someone every day.
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Wow this is a hard question, first I would have to say my brother, he is an incredible artist and I am extremely proud of all his current success. Other than that a few names pop up!
I think Lindsey Frei is incredible in regards to her flow and her still life paintings. I really enjoy the works of Richard Phillips, Shepard Fairey and David Choe.
Thank you for your time, Pen!
Contact Adam here: adamjonesart@gmail.com
Check out Adam’s work here: adamjonesart.com
