by Chris Stack
When we encounter someone well-versed in creating in a wide variety of styles and genres, we’re often led to wonder how this can be possible.
How can one person make these radical shifts? Different types of painting, music or any other form of creative activity can often seem like isolated islands to the casual observer. In reality, they are all deeply connected by a bedrock of soul expression.
The perceptual oceans that seem to separate these outlets are really as insubstantial as water. When you look deep beneath the surface, it becomes very apparent that the process is the same; these islands are all outcroppings of the same creative spark and the process itself is the important element.
Throughout his long career, Jonas Gerard has visited many artistic islands. In addition to decades spent as a detailed portrait painter, his artistic spirit has traveled widely through realms of abstract, landscape and mixed media painting, sculpture, dance and mime.
What ties it all together and fuels the inspiration is the powerful work he has done below the surface, exploring the very nature of creativity itself. In addition to years of self-study, he has participated in countless deep learning opportunities like Stewart Cubley’s Painting Experience workshops, EST seminars and many other forms of inner cultivation.
Visitors to either of his two River Arts District galleries are immediately struck by the diversity of styles, colors, sizes and textures employed in his art. Whether in his new Plein Air Landscape painting series, his Flow series and other abstracts, mixed media, sculpture or other creations defying classification, there is a common thread of creative energy tying them all together. In the same way that a wall outlet can power a variety of machines, when you are tapped fully into the creative source it can fuel a tremendous outburst of art.
Two locations in the River Arts District:
Jonas Gerard Fine Art
240 Clingman Avenue
Open every day 10-6 p.m.
Jonas Gerard at Riverview Station
191 Lyman St. #144
Mon.-Sat. 10-6; Sun. by appointment.
(828) 350-7711
www.jonasgerard.com